Building Career Paths, Starting Early

A lot can change between middle school and college graduation. Students make decisions about academics, finances, and careers as their goals take shape. Breakthrough Central Texas stays with them through it all.

For 25 years, Breakthrough has built its approach around getting students to college and staying with them until they finish. That commitment is why we’ve partnered with the organization since 2005.

Advising That Stays With Students

Breakthrough’s original 12-year model begins as early as sixth grade, preparing students to become the first in their families to earn a college degree. Advisors guide them through academic preparation, college applications, and financial aid, then continue working with them for up to six years after high school graduation.

That relationship continues wherever students pursue their education. Advisors meet with students on local college campuses every week, visit those attending colleges outside Central Texas at least once per semester, and connect virtually with students studying out of state. Students can also text their advisors when questions arise.

Breakthrough uses grade-specific milestones to guide students through important decisions, from financial aid and course selection to application deadlines. Students have a familiar advisor who understands their goals and can provide practical support along the way.

For Ryianna, who earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from St. Edward’s University, that support mattered.

“I stuck with Breakthrough because they’ve stuck with me.”

That long-term commitment is reflected in Breakthrough’s results. Fifty-five percent of Breakthrough students earn a degree or credential, compared to 17% of their peers from low-income communities in Central Texas. That’s more than three times the completion rate.

In 2025 alone, 174 students earned a degree or certificate, bringing Breakthrough’s total to more than 650 college graduates.

Listening to Students, Expanding Options

Years of working closely with students taught Breakthrough something important: a four-year degree isn’t the right path for everyone. Students were pursuing different ambitions, from four-year degrees to technical training, associate degrees, and career credentials.

Breakthrough has since expanded its advising model to support those different paths, while keeping the long-term relationships that have always been central to its approach

That matters in Greater Austin’s growing economy, where education and training beyond high school open doors to a range of careers. By 2031, nearly two-thirds of jobs in Texas are projected to require education or training beyond high school.

Over the past five years, Breakthrough has expanded its advising approach to support more education and career pathways. We’re supporting this work as Breakthrough builds the team, partnerships, and resources needed to provide personalized guidance through completion.

The path may look different for each student. Breakthrough is adapting its approach to stick with them, no matter which education or career path they choose.