Breakthrough Collaborative

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Breakthrough Collaborative - Formerly Summerbridge National

The Breakthrough Collaborative (formerly Summerbridge National) is a collaboration of programs across the United States and in Hong Kong - all functioning independently from one another - that aims to effect positive change in urban schools. It attempts to attain this goal by offering high-potential, under-served middle school students the opportunity to participate in its rigorous academic enrichment programs throughout the summer and school year. Students make a commitment to participate in the program for two to three years (varies by site) and in turn, the Breakthrough Collaborative provides many services to students and their families ranging from academic enrichment to one-on-one tutoring to high school and college preparation. Additionally, all Breakthrough classes are taught by highly qualified high school and college students from around the country who are interested in the field of education. Through the teacher development program offered by Breakthrough, these young educators become potential candidates for professional teaching positions after college. Starting in 2003, teaching at Breakthrough sites was consistently named a Top Ten Internship in America by the Princeton Review and a 1999 Stanford University report stated that "72% [of Summerbridge teachers] went on to work in other educationally related careers or internships after teaching at a Breakthrough site."

Breakthrough originated in 1978, founded by Lois Loofbourrow at San Francisco University High School. Since then, numerous sites have opened, all in various sized urban areas. The sites are joined together under the umbrella organization, the Breakthrough Collaborative (formerly Summerbridge National), based in San Francisco. Most sites function either through public-private partnerships with an independent educational institution or maintain their own 501(c)3 status.

Since its inception in 1978, Breakthrough programs around the world have generated thousands of student and teacher alums. In 2003, the Summerbridge Breakthrough Alumni Network or SBAN was formed through the efforts of alumni. SBAN is based out of Atlanta, but holds annual conferences around the United States.

In March, 2006, the 22 host schools of Breakthrough programs were awarded the Klingenstein Leadership Award by the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University. Breaking from the tradition of giving this prestigious award to an individual, 26 independent schools received the 2006 award. Past recipients include William Durden, Diane Ravitch, Robert Coles, and Howard Gardner.