Breakthrough Sacramento

Breakthrough Sacramento uses the power of education to radically change the lives of Sacramento’s youth in under-resourced schools and inspires students who desire to become teachers.  

Why is Breakthrough Important?

According to a 2016 study by the US Census Bureau, when youth from socio-economically disadvantaged households attain a bachelor’s degree, there is only a 5% chance they will return to a life of poverty. Education is the antidote! And yet in Sacramento County . . .

·      Only 27% of Sacramento’s students classified as "economically-disadvantaged" met math standards, compared to 54% of their more affluent peers. (California Dept. of Ed, 2019, CAASPP testing)

·      Only 37% of Sacramento’s students classified as "economically-disadvantaged" met English language Arts standards, compared to 66% of their more affluent peers. (California Dept. of Ed, 2019, ELA CAASPP testing)

This disparity in learning, referred to as the academic achievement gap, makes it difficult for low-income youth to achieve their academic potential. Fewer than 27% of low-income high school graduates are eligible to attend California state colleges or universities, and fewer yet will graduate with that essential bachelor’s degree.

Breakthrough believes in the power of education to radically change lives. Breakthrough addresses the educational needs of underserved youth by providing six years of intensive year-round supplementary academic support in math and English Language Arts, as well as immersion in STEAM (not just “exposure” to STEAM). Breakthrough partners with students and their parents/guardians on a path to success in college.  

Breakthrough students achieve success through 4 key services:

1. Six-week academic summer programming: Breakthrough students, in 7^th- 9^th grade, attend 3 consecutive summers to take daily classes in supplementary math, science, literature, and writing, plus STEAM immersion, electives, and build their study skills. Trained and professionally mentored high school and college students, who aspire to become educators, teach all classes. 

2. Weekly Breakthrough Tutoring: After summer programming, Breakthrough maintains the summer learning momentum with weekly tutoring and additional math, writing, and STEAM activities. Tutoring is conducted at students’ neighborhood middle schools. 

3. Super Saturday field trips: Experiential learning is an essential part of educational growth. Breakthrough students attend monthly field trips to tour colleges, experience nature through camping, hiking, rafting, and snow treks, attend sporting events (Kings, Sac Republic, River Cats) and theatre.  

4. College counseling and advising for high school students: Breakthrough students receive assistance selecting their classes to assure they complete the courses necessary (a-gs) to apply to college. Students’ grades are tracked, and they receive one-on-one counseling 3x annually to build a college resume for their college application. Seminars are offered to prepare students for the SAT/ACT, select colleges, write their college applications, and apply for financial aid and scholarships. This is particularly important because they will be the first in their families to attend college, so support and seminars are also offered to parents/guardians.