Program Description
Breakthrough New York students are admitted through a very selective process and over their 10-years will spend more than 1,400 hours in after-school and summer programming to ensure they achieve their goals of admission to college prep high schools and selective colleges, and ultimately college graduation and career placement. BTNY programming is founded on a few key elements:
ACADEMIC PREPARATION AND SUPPORT - Through academic instruction, tutoring and personalized support, BTNY helps to close the gaps in instruction and prepares students to thrive on rigorous high school and college campuses. BTNY maintains high academic standards for all students, requiring that no students earn a grade below 85%.
APPLICATION COACHING AND TEST PREP - For high school and college placement, each BTNY student is paired with an Application Coach who helps the student and family successfully navigate the application and financial aid processes for selective high schools and colleges. In addition to the individualized support, students also receive intensive test prep for all standardized entrance exams (including SSAT, SHSAT, ACT and SAT).
CAREER READINESS AND LEADERSHIP - Through interview preparation, internship placement, career exploration, site visits, and a speakers series, students are exposed to different professional paths as early as 7th grade. The ultimate goal of the BTNY program is to create leaders who break the cycle of poverty in their families and affect positive change in their communities through careers that match their talents and interests.
FAMILY SUPPORT - Part of our admissions process entails interviewing families to ensure that they too are committed to education and college graduation. Though families may not know how to get their kids to the finish line, we have to know that our families are our partners in this endeavor. We think of it as serving families, not just students.
STUDENTS-TEACHING-STUDENTS - The Students-Teaching-Students model is a unique aspect of our success. Every year, hundreds of high school and college students apply to be teachers, tutors and positive role models for our students during our school year and summer programs. Through the dual mission model, BTNY is harnessing the influence of near-peer relationships and inspiring future generations of educators.