Breakthrough Central Texas supports students with programs to help them achieve success on the postsecondary path of their choice.
Breakthrough Central Texas
2002
Michael Griffith
Kathryn Todd
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Breakthrough Central Texas supports students with programs to help them achieve success on the postsecondary path of their choice.
Breakthrough Central Texas
2002
Michael Griffith
Kathryn Todd
Breakthrough Central Texas offers flexible programs to assist middle, high school, and college-aged students in exploring and navigating diverse postsecondary paths — whether they want to pursue a college diploma, trade credential, or certification.
3,500
students served
82%
postsecondary enrollment
345
postsecondary graduates
Empowering Students to Chart Their Own Course
Many students have dreams of pursuing a career that requires post-secondary education. However, due to circumstances beyond their control – like family income or resources available at school – they may not have access to clear guidance on the paths available to them, and the next steps to take to achieve their goals.
Breakthrough helps students across Central Texas – most of whom will be the first person in their family to earn a college degree – through programs that support postsecondary and career exploration.
Support from Middle School to College Graduation
Beginning in middle school, Breakthrough’s 12-year program provides students with guidance on transitioning to high school, applying to college or postsecondary programs, and navigating enrollment from advisors experienced in both college and trade, vocational, license, and certificate (TVLC) pathways.
The program provides opportunities personalized to each student and where they are on their journey:
Middle School
In Summer Academy, students learn from high school and college student teachers, attend field trips, and connect with peers.
High School
Students benefit from college and employer visits, guidance on financial aid, college test prep, applications, and career planning.
Post-High School
Advisors help high school grads transition to college and access campus resources, professional training, and paid internships.
Advice in the Pivotal Junior and Senior Years
Breakthrough launched its Schoolwide Postsecondary Advising Program in 2020, offering year-round advising services to every junior and senior at Manor New Tech High School and Eastside Early College High. Nearly 500 students meet with Breakthrough advisors to discuss goal setting, college and TVLC opportunities, financial support and scholarship applications, and entrance exams. After graduating high school, students can receive up to six years of enrollment and persistence support from Breakthrough’s College & Career Success program.
The Schoolwide team also works directly with faculty and staff to help them shift students’ focus beyond high school graduation and offers guidance for families and guardians on securing financial aid and helping students succeed in college.
Meet Maria
“When I heard about a program to help me go to college, I had to join,” says Maria, a pediatric nursing student who learned about Breakthrough in fifth grade. “They promised to hold my hand every step of the way.” After graduating high school with an associate degree, Maria became the first in her family to attend college. Now, she turns to Breakthrough for guidance on scholarships, career paths, and everyday logistics. “It’s like having a life coach,” she says. Participating in Breakthrough also inspired her to become a seventh-grade teaching fellow and make a positive impact on other students.