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 can look forward to six years of support and programming to help them get to college.

Middle School

The Breakthrough Cambridge middle school programming prepares students to succeed in rigorous high school classes, and serves approximately 100 students and their families each year. There are three main middle school program components:

• Summer Program – Students attend during the summers before their 7th and 8th grade years.
• School Year Program – During 7th and 8th grade, Breakthrough Cambridge students attend the Tuesday After-School Program each week and receive additional tutoring support at one of the Breakthrough Cambridge tutoring sites.
• Advocacy – Breakthrough Cambridge staff members communicate regularly with Cambridge Public School teachers, counselors, and administrators in order to track student progress and ensure students receive the necessary services. Breakthrough Cambridge also employs licensed social workers during the summer and school year who meet with teachers and staff to help support students’ socio-emotional health.

High School

The Breakthrough Cambridge high school programming ensures students succeed in college-track classes and gain admittance to a 4-year college. High school program components include:

• Advocacy – Breakthrough Cambridge staff members communicate regularly with teachers, counselors, and administrators at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, along with other local high schools Breakthrough Cambridge students attend, in order to track student progress and ensure students receive the necessary services. In addition, Breakthrough Cambridge helps high school students connect with rewarding extracurricular and summer opportunities, including clubs, sports, arts, and internships.
• College Access Program – Breakthrough Cambridge college counselors work with high school guidance departments to help students manage and complete their college application process. Historically, over 90% of Breakthrough Cambridge students enter 4-year colleges compared to 62% at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. In addition, the past three years have seen six Breakthrough Cambridge students become POSSE Scholars.
• Summer Programming – The summer before 9th grade, Breakthrough Cambridge students have the option to attend the Leadership Academy, where they take academic classes, complete service learning projects, and participate in workshops on leadership and high school readiness.