Breakthrough Twin Cities

Breakthrough Twin Cities (BTC) provides a six-year, tuition-free college access and teacher-development program serving underrepresented youth in grades 712 in the Twin Cities. Students participate in academic enrichment, social-emotional learning, and college-readiness programming during a 5.5-week summer program and monthly school-year sessions. Students also receive individualized advising, mentorship, and referrals to community resources. In Summer 2024, BTC served 448 students (nearly 100 more than last year) across three sites. Students received 100+ hours of core academic instruction and participated in STEM, arts, and college-and-career exploration electives. Dedicated STEM programming was delivered in partnership with the University of Minnesota, including hands-on experiments, career panels, and immersive activities. Students participated in field trips focused on college access and civic engagement, including visits to local colleges and the Minnesota State Capitol. Middle School Outcomes (2024 - 25) - 55% enrolled in at least one. honors course, -78% felt better prepared for the next school year, -83% reported strong college-going role models, -88% felt a strong sense of belonging. Breakthrough Leaders Program: 69 rising 9th graders (20 more than prior year) completed a four-day leadership retreat at St. Johns University, building leadership, belonging, and confidence. Participants facilitated student-led programming and supported teaching teams upon return. BTCs high-school program supports students through academic advising, college counseling, ACT preparation, financial aid education, and persistence support. Students participated in summer college-readiness workshops covering FAFSA, college applications, scholarship search, and transition planning. High School & College Outcomes (2024 - 25) -80% enrolled in at least 100% four-year graduation rate, 100% college acceptance for applicants, average annual scholarship: $35,781, covering 85% of tuition, 95% enrolled in college the fall after graduation, 60%+ on-track graduate college in 5 years. BTC also served its first Eastern Carver County (ECC) juniors with summer college-transition workshops.