WHAT IS breakthrough 

Our Program Model 

The Breakthrough model has two key components which work in tandem to create vibrant communities of lifelong learners across the nation and inspire the next generation of educators: 

1) Identifying underrepresented and/or underserved students with demonstrated motivation and capability as they enter middle school, and engaging them with rigorous academic support, mentoring, and college counseling through summer and school-year programming from middle school through college matriculation, free of charge to their families

2) Providing a highly diverse, intentionally recruited pool of talented undergraduates with the opportunity to gain more than 100 hours of firsthand classroom teaching experience through a nine-week pre-service Teaching Fellow residency, supported by Instructional Coaches throughout the course of the summer

Who we serve

Students 

  • Rising 7th-12th grade students from Denver and Englewood Public Schools who are motivated and financially under-resourced

Teachers 

  • College students aspiring to become teachers 

 

Visual Program Model 

Breakthrough students enter the program the summer after 6th grade and stay engaged until they graduate high school. Students participate in six years of after-school and summer programming. 

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Breakthrough at Kent Denver Programs 

Breakthrough at Kent Denver strives to provide students and teachers the tools necessary to facilitate their highest level of achievement, which includes the Summer Program, the Saturday School Program, the High School Program, the College Bound Program and the Teaching Fellow Program. 

1. Summer Program Rising 7th – Rising 10th Grade Students

  • Intensive six-week daily summer program (M-F, 8:00am – 4:00pm)
  • Rigorous instruction in math, language arts, and science
  • Strong focus on leadership, team building, financial literacy, mental health, and the arts

2. Saturday School Program– 7th – 12th Grade Students 

  • Seven Saturday School sessions once per month from 8:00am – 1:30pm
  • Enhanced academic support and guidance
  • Focus on non-traditional subjects (e.g., social justice, health and wellness, and business acumen)

3. High School Program- 8th – 10th Grade Students

  • 8th grade high school selection counseling for students and their families
  • 8th and 9th grade high school transition support for students and their families
  • 9th and 10th grade academic and social emotional support
  • 10th grade high school success support and professional development

4. College Bound Program– 11th – 12th Grade Students

  • 11th grade SAT test prep 
  • 11th and 12th grade college support with essays, applications, personal statements, resumes, interview practice, and financial aid
  • 11th – 12th summer opportunity search, course selection counseling, and volunteer and leadership opportunities

5. Teaching Fellow Program

  • Serves college students aspiring to become teachers 
  • Nine-week immersive Teacher Training Program
  • Six-week daily classroom experience: lesson plan implementation and behavior management
  • Daily coaching from professional educators on instruction and behavior management