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Creating the Breakthrough: Breakthrough founder's story of leading a generation to college
featured in Austin American-Statesman
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In 2000, Jessica Slade, a teacher with a master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Texas, recognized a need in Central Texas schools. Austin was becoming a beacon for economic development, but it was evident that students who happen to be from underserved communities were not able to benefit from Austin’s growth because they didn’t have the same educational opportunities as more affluent students. This disparity did not sit well with Jessica.
So, she decided to make a change. Building on her experience launching a similar program in Fort Worth, Jessica threw herself into creating an Austin-based educational nonprofit that could fuel equitable access to higher education for students in underserved communities. In 2002, Breakthrough Central Texas was born with Jessica at the helm as founder and executive director. Read more in the Austin-American Statesman.
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THIS FRIDAY: Experience Breakthrough Behind the Scenes
FRIDAY | October 25| 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM | Breakthrough Headquarters
Experience Breakthrough Behind the Scenes at our East Austin headquarters. You will learn about our innovative, long-term approach to creating first-generation college graduates, meet alumni and program leadership who are on the front line changing lives, and hear about ways you can make a difference.
*Coffee and refreshments at 9:00 AM and program begins at 9:15 AM
Complimentary parking on site
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Beat the Odds Benefit Concert ft. Dawes
presented by BANK OF AMERICA
SATURDAY | NOVEMBER 16 | Stubb's Waller Creek Amphitheater
Join us for an evening of music under the stars to support Breakthrough’s programs and students! The event will include special performances by roots-rock band Dawes and Texas Piano Man, Robert Ellis, and will be preceded by a fun and inspiring VIP Party and Program. Sponsors and their guests will learn about the impact Breakthrough is having on the lives of Central Texas youth and our vision for the future, all while enjoying tickets to the show with access to a private viewing deck, valet parking, dedicated open bar, signature barbeque favorites, and VIP concert credentials. You don't want to miss out!
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Volunteer Needs Spotlight
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"Words can’t even begin to express how proud I am of Olivia. Coaching her this past year through Breakthrough has been an immense privilege — she has grown by leaps and bounds in her writing skills, but she was already leaps and bounds ahead of her peers when it comes to ambition and drive. Before I was even paired with her as a Coach, she told me of her future plans to start her own business AND a nonprofit for students just like her who will be first generation college students. And I’ll tell you — she’ll find a way to do it. "
- Lauren Callahan, Breakthrough Volunteer, College Application Coach
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We are currently seeking volunteers for our After School Hours programs, academic mentors for middle and high school students, and bus buddies for weekend fieldtrips.
Whether you are looking for a one-time volunteer opportunity, or are interested in ongoing opportunities, Breakthrough offers flexible chances to get involved. For more information about volunteer opportunities, commitments and availability, contact volunteer@breakthroughctx.org, or inquire below.
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Breakthrough Challenge Donor Spotlight
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“Susan and I support Breakthrough because it’s where we can do the most good, where our community will receive the biggest return. Breakthrough Central Texas is a proven program. If you look at the statistics they're very compelling. If you hear the stories of the students, it's completely overwhelming. You know in a moment it is the right thing to support. We will see the return on this investment for many years to come.”
- Gary Farmer, Breakthrough Challenge
Honorary Co-Chair
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Join Gary and Susan as they help us move toward our North Star goal of doubling the number of first-generation college students who graduate each year. Here’s how you can help:
Spread the word. Every time you use the hashtag #BREAKTHROUGHCHALLENGE on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, National Instruments will donate $10 to the $10 million campaign. Up to $10,000 will be donated this way, and you can make an impact just by sharing the hashtag.
Contribute to the Campaign. We invite you to change everything for the children in our community who need it most. No gift is too large or too small. We are grateful for your investment in the future of education across Central Texas.
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Where are they now?
Meet Breakthrough College Graduate, Joe Anthony Cruz
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"Growing up, I saw my mother work countless hours to support our family. Her ability to see every struggle as an opportunity gave me optimism for the future despite the hardships we faced. So, when I heard about this program called Breakthrough that promised to help me from 6th grade through college, my mom and I realized that this was the key to unlocking our shared dream."
– Joe Anythony Cruz
Breakthrough College Graduate | Ithaca College, 2019
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This past May, Joe Anthony reached a goal he set for himself early in life – being the first in his family to earn a college degree. From an early age, he noticed the inequity among those in his community, wishing Breakthrough had the capacity to help them all. His understanding of educational inequity only intensified when he got to Ithaca College – 2,000 miles away from home. Breakthrough had always been a community of supporters and mentors he could call upon, so he wanted to create the same feeling of community on the Ithaca campus so that other students would not have to face the many barriers that can come with being a first-generation college student alone. During his final years at Ithaca, Joe Anthony founded the 1st Gen Student Organization, creating the first-ever summer transition orientation for first-generation college goers. See what Joe's up to now.
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| Breakthrough is proud to be an AmeriCorps program.
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