Volunteer & Sponsor of Breakthrough Cambridge
Founded in 1992 as Summerbridge Cambridge, Breakthrough Cambridge is the only year-round, tuition-free academic program in Cambridge.
Our mission
To inspire excitement for learning, create paths to college and promote careers in education.
Inspiring Excitement for Learning
At Breakthrough Cambridge, small classes, hands-on learning, and enthusiastic teachers create a culture of active learning. Motivated, diverse middle school students take ownership over their education, gaining skills and confidence they need to excel in school.
“At Breakthrough, it’s cool to be smart.”
Creating Paths to College
We challenge, prepare and support diverse, low-income Cambridge middle school students to succeed in rigorous high school programs and go on to college.
“Once you’ve got the Breakthrough spirit, you never lose it.”
Promoting Careers in Education
Breakthrough Cambridge cultivates leadership in talented high school and college students to teach classes and help run programs. Through training, support and hands-on experience, Breakthrough Cambridge teachers are inspired to become the next generation of America’s educators.
“I never knew I would work so hard and love teaching so much.”
Breakthrough Cambridge students are diverse, motivated, and working hard to pursue their educational goals. We look for students who want to go to college and need our resources to get there. Once admitted, students look forward to six years of support and programming to help them get to college.
Our acclaimed middle school program is a fun, rigorous, year-round academic program with three components: a summer program, a school-year program, and year-round advocacy.
The Summer Program is the highlight of a student’s Breakthrough Cambridge experience. Young, energetic teachers introduce the middle school students to new and exciting topics in literature, math, social studies and science. With a student-to-staff ratio of 3:1, small classes allow students to receive individualized attention. Summer teachers create engaging, student-centered classes that culminate in a hands-on final project. Students receive up to two hours of homework each week night, and a great deal of support from their teachers to complete all assignments. The daily schedule includes time for mentoring, homework help, recess and community building.
To make a donation or learn more about Volunteer Opportunities with Breakthrough Cambridge, visit: www.BreakthroughCambridge.org
