We are proud to share our 2024 Impact Report, as we set our sights on an exciting new chapter for Breakthrough. This report highlights how our national network equipped students and Teaching Fellows with the support to succeed in the classroom, college, and in their future careers. Your continued partnership makes this work possible, and together, we are building a future where all students and aspiring educators have the opportunity to thrive.
2024 Impact Report The Next Chapter
Table of Contents A Message from our Leaders ......................................................................................................................... 1 About Breakthrough ......................................................................................................................................... 2 2024 Highlights ............................................................................................................................................... 4 2024 Impact ...................................................................................................................................................... 6 Our Approach .................................................................................................................................................. 8 Our Community .............................................................................................................................................. 16 Financials ........................................................................................................................................................ 20
Message From Our Leaders
Dear Breakthrough Community, There’s a familiar saying: ‘The only constant is change.’ At Breakthrough, change has fueled our evolution over the past four decades, adapting to the shifting needs of young people and the education landscape. Our roots trace back to a single site in San Francisco, focused on bridging the summer learning gap—ensuring students were not just prepared for the next school year, but ahead of the curve. Over time, we expanded our mission to provide students year-round, holistic support to promote academic and personal growth. Today, our national network of 25 affiliates prepares middle and high school students for college and careers while cultivating the next generation of education leaders and changemakers. We are building on our rich history to deepen our impact—expanding opportunities for students, strengthening the teacher workforce, and transforming communities well into the future. We are entering an exciting new chapter at Breakthrough—one that will allow us to reach more students, support more aspiring educators, and drive lasting change in education. It’s also a time to strengthen our role as an advocate and thought leader— engaging key stakeholders and mobilizing the full power of the Breakthrough network. We do so at a critical time for public education— one that demands our urgent and full attention. But this is our moment—one that we’ve been preparing for and are ready to lead. Too many students continue to fall behind in reading performance and math scores; a challenge deepened by the lasting impact of the pandemic. At the same time, a nationwide teacher shortage is further straining the education system. Breakthrough is determined to meet these challenges head-on— ensuring students and future educators alike have the resources and support they need to succeed.
In 2024, Breakthrough served more than 10,000 students, providing personalized academic support and the 21st-century skills necessary for postsecondary success. We also placed more than 1,000 college students in classrooms as Teaching Fellows, where they not only supported student learning but also gained invaluable experience as future educators. Last year, significant strides were made to advance Year 2 of our strategic plan, focusing on four core priorities: 1) Equipping future teachers and leaders, 2) Preparing students for postsecondary success, 3) Building capacity to strengthen affiliate supports, and 4) Scaling and driving impact. You can explore key milestones and stories in this year’s Impact Report. We are pleased to share that our revenue for fiscal year 2024 reached $6.4 million, and we closed the year with total net assets of $7.5 million. These strong financial results reflect the trust and confidence our donors and supporters have in Breakthrough’s mission and the continued growth of our work. For decades, our supporters have been a constant source of strength, standing with us through challenges and changes. They come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, yet all share a deep commitment to the transformative power of education. From Breakthrough alumni and their families to friends, community leaders, and education advocates, each person who has joined us on this journey has played a crucial role in our growth and success. Looking ahead, we know there is still much work to be done. But with the support and dedication of our community, we are not only helping young people break through barriers—we are building a movement that is changing the landscape of education itself. It is your investment and belief in our mission that allows us to continue pushing forward. Thank you for being a part of this community. With your help, the next chapter of Breakthrough will be our strongest yet.
Vince Marigna Chief Executive Officer
Pat Talamantes Chair, Board of Trustees
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About Breakthrough
Mission Breakthrough Collaborative works with traditionally underserved students to achieve postsecondary success and equips aspiring leaders to become the next generation of educators and advocates. Vision
We envision a nation where increased access to educational opportunities propels aspiring students on their path to college and aspiring teachers on their path to the classroom. What We Do Breakthrough Collaborative helps young people gain access to great opportunities to become college graduates, teachers, and education leaders. The heart of the Breakthrough model is high expectations coupled with high support. We achieve this through a positive learning environment formed by relationships between college-aged Teaching Fellows and students from middle and high schools. Through a focus on both student success and the teacher workforce, Breakthrough is expanding educational access and opportunities one student and one teacher at a time.
Breakthrough Snapshot
200
10,000
Instructional Coaches
Students
270+ College & University Partners
40K+
1,000
25
Breakthrough Alumni
Teaching Fellows
Affiliates
2 | 2024 Impact Report
Our Affiliates Breakthrough Collaborative serves a national network of 25 affiliates, each positioned to respond to the unique needs of their students, Teaching Fellows, and families. Affiliates operate independently and deliver direct services to middle and high school students, college undergraduates, and professional teachers serving as Instructional Coaches in their localities. The National Office provides leadership, resources, and support to our affiliate network in service of the national mission.
PROVIDENCE
MANCHESTER
ST.PAUL
MINNEAPOLIS
BOSTON
NEW YORK
PITTSBURGH
SACRAMENTO
PHILADELPHIA
SUMMERBRIDGE SAN FRANCISCO
DENVER
CINCINNATI
LOUISVILLE
NORFOLK
SILICON VALLEY
SANTA FE
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
ATLANTA
FORT WORTH
BIRMINGHAM
AUSTIN
HOUSTON
NEW ORLEANS
MIAMI
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2024 Highlights
Awarded a $1M AmeriCorps National Operational Grant to support Teaching Fellows across six Breakthrough affiliates.
Published the 2024 Teaching Fellow Alumni Report, highlighting alumni experiences, career trajectories, and Breakthrough’s lasting impact.
Formalized partnerships with He Is Me Institute, National Center for Grow Your Own, Teach For America, Brown University, and Harvard Graduate School of Education to support Teaching Fellows pursuing careers in education.
Hosted Teaching Fellow career fairs with Breakthrough Manchester and Breakthrough Greater Boston, connecting 100 Fellows with top teacher preparation programs to help alumni pursue their education careers.
4 | 2024 Impact Report
Advanced our work in the teacher apprenticeship landscape, engaging partners to position our Teaching Fellowship as a pre-apprenticeship program and applying for a U.S. Department of Labor grant.
Expanded our College Success Pilot from four affiliates to six, positioning Breakthrough as a leader in postsecondary success.
Developed College Success Standards to guide affiliates in expanding programming to support students through college.
Hosted Breakthrough Effect events across the U.S. , bringing together more than 200 alumni, supporters, and partners to celebrate Breakthrough’s legacy and impact in San Francisco,
New York, Cincinnati, Washington D.C., New Orleans, and Houston.
Brought together 100+ Breakthrough staff at our 2024 National Conference for collaboration, learning, and reflection—fostering growth and building momentum for the future.
Presented at key conferences , including the Coalition to Reimagine the Teaching Role, National Center for Grow Your Own, National Summer Learning Association, White House Special Initiatives and the U.S. Department of Education, EdLoC, and Carnegie Foundation Summit. Explored growth to new markets, meeting with partners in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Waterbury, CT, Upstate New York, Columbia, MO, Central Oklahoma, and Indianapolis.
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2024 Impact
Students
70% first-gen college students
1 ST GEN
10,852
students served
More than 70%
of Breakthrough students maintained or improved their reading or math skills over the summer
Nationally...
most students lose two months of math skills each summer, and students with fewer resources lose three
83% of students reported that they learned new concepts
6 | 2024 Impact Report
2024 Impact
Teaching Fellows
Majors of Fellows
20% Education
1,027 Teaching Fellows
80% Non-education • 17% STEM
Of Teaching Fellows
96%
44% 33% 19% first-gen
Reported that they are likely to recommend Breakthrough to a friend who is interested in a career in education
college students
returning Fellows
student alumni
Reported that they deepened their leadership skills because of their summer experience with Breakthrough
Reported that they were interested in a career in education as a result of their Breakthrough experience
94%
61%
Breakthrough Collaborative | 7
Our Approach
Student Success Where High Expectations Meet High Support
Additional learning time during summer
Breakthrough provides middle and high school students more than six years of personalized academic support, 21st-century skills development, and individualized college counseling to excel in their educational journey. Our “near- peer” mentoring model connects students with undergraduate Teaching Fellows who share similar backgrounds, fostering a supportive learning environment that drives positive academic and personal growth outcomes. Through our signature summer program and year-round initiatives, students are prepared for postsecondary success that paves the way to thriving futures.
80 HOURS
Equivalent to an additional 7% of the school year
79% of Breakthrough students enroll in postsecondary education
College grads earn $1.2M more over a lifetime than high school grads ^
^ Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce
8 | 2024 Impact Report
Our Approach
Breakthrough students enroll in college at a rate that is 31% higher than their peers of similar economic backgrounds*
Breakthrough students graduate from college at a rate that is 27% higher than their peers †
Postsecondary Success From College Dreams to College Degrees Breakthrough equips students with the tools to thrive in college and beyond. Through personalized counseling, tutoring, and scholarship application support, we guide students in overcoming barriers to higher education. Surrounded by a supportive community of peers and educators, Breakthrough students graduate with not only a degree but the skills and connections to lead strong, successful futures.
*National Student Clearinghouse † National Center for Education Statistics
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Our Approach
Teaching Fellowship Strengthening the Educator Workforce Partnering with over 270 colleges and universities, we place more than 1,000 Teaching Fellows at our 25 affiliates nationwide for a paid, nine-week summer program providing more than 100 hours of teaching, training, and mentorship. As one of the nation’s largest early teacher pathway programs, Breakthrough facilitates Fellows’ entry into top teacher training and preparation programs reducing barriers from college to the classroom. By expanding access to teaching, we’re strengthening the educator workforce, ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn, thrive, and succeed.
52%
74% of Teaching Fellow alumni pursue careers in education
71% of Breakthrough alumni teachers work in urban and Title I schools
52% of Teaching Fellow alumni become teachers
10 | 2024 Impact Report
Our Approach
Breakthrough alumni are forging new paths and driving transformative change. Teaching Fellow alumni are shaping education as teachers, education leaders, and changemakers, while student alumni are advancing in their careers, leading in their organizations, and transforming their communities. Through regional and national events and engagements, we are building a dynamic Alumni Network to advance critical issues and make a lasting impact. Alumni Network Building a Thriving Education Ecosystem
40,000+
Student and Teaching Fellow alumni across all 50 states, Washington, DC, and 20 countries
69%
69% of Teaching Fellow Alumni are active in social causes and volunteerism
Growing networks in San Francisco, New York, Cincinnati, Washington, D.C., and New Orleans
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“Breakthrough transformed my life... It gave me a sense of purpose and showed me how I could make a difference in my community.” — Ja’Maya
Meet
Ja’Maya Ja’Maya once envisioned a future in finance—until a conversation with Breakthrough Birmingham’s Executive Director changed everything. As a first- generation college student at Spelman, Ja’Maya discovered her passion for teaching through Breakthrough’s Teaching Fellowship. What began as a summer opportunity became a calling, shaping her into a leader and advocate for education. “Breakthrough transformed my life,” she shares. “It gave me a sense of purpose and showed me how I could make a difference in my community.” Now, Ja’Maya is taking the next step—joining Teach For America and returning to Birmingham to give back to the city and organization that shaped her journey. Read more about Ja’Maya’s path from aspiring financier to future educator.
12 | 2024 Impact Report
Meet
Brooklyn Brooklyn’s summer at Breakthrough Kent Denver was nothing short of transformative. Stepping into the classroom with self-doubt, he found a safe space to take risks, grow, and discover his strengths as an educator. “The most rewarding part was seeing my students come out of their shells,” Brooklyn reflects. “Middle school is such a formative time, and watching them gain confidence in themselves was
incredible. In many ways, we were growing together.” By the end of the summer, Brooklyn had not only built meaningful connections with his students but also gained a newfound confidence in himself. Read more about Brooklyn’s journey and the impact of Breakthrough on his path.
“The most rewarding part was seeing my students come out of their shells... In many ways, we were growing
together” — Brooklyn
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“Seeing my students relate to me, knowing I could be a positive role model, was incredibly rewarding” — Ashaad
Meet
Ashaad Ashaad’s journey from Breakthrough Providence middle school student to Teaching Fellow to math teacher highlights the power of representation and mentorship in education. Growing up with few Black teachers, Ashaad’s exposure to one in tenth grade was pivotal, shaping his teaching approach. He now strives to be the kind of teacher who supports and challenges his students, just as his teachers did for him. “Seeing my students relate to me, knowing I could be a positive role model, was incredibly rewarding,” Ashaad shares. He continues to integrate the joy and engagement he experienced at Breakthrough into his own classroom, proving the impact of holistic and dynamic teaching. Read more about Ashaad’s journey and how Breakthrough ignited his passion for education and mentorship.
14 | 2024 Impact Report
Nicole A recent graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver, Nicole took a bold step outside her comfort zone as a Breakthrough Teaching Fellow. With a background in Early Childhood Education, she was used to working with toddlers—but Breakthrough introduced her to the energy and curiosity of middle and high school students. “I’m naturally shy, but Breakthrough helped me come out of my shell,” Nicole shares. “I learned how to connect with students in ways I never expected, and that experience has shaped my confidence as an educator.” Now, as she steps into her career, Nicole carries the lessons, connections, and confidence she built at Breakthrough, ready to inspire the next generation of learners. Read more about Nicole’s journey and the impact of Breakthrough on her path. Meet
“I learned how to connect with students in ways I never expected, and that experience has shaped my confidence as an educator.” — Nicole
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Our Community
16 | 2024 Impact Report
Our Community
Board of Directors Patrick Talamantes , Chair CEO, Talamantes Strategies
Traci Higgins Consultant & Non-Profit Leader Melinda Karp Founder and President, Phase Two Advisory Miho Kubagawa, Ed.L.D. Nonprofit Founder Coach, Organizer Zero Carolyn Long Philanthropist & Former Chair and Trustee of Breakthrough Central Texas Rob Macrae Head of School, Louisville Collegiate School & Breakthrough Louisville Board Member Vince Marigna CEO, Breakthrough Collaborative Deb McLoud Executive Director, Breakthrough Manchester JuliAnne McDowell Philanthropist & Community Leader Keno Sadler CEO, Synapset Consulting Andy Shin Executive Director, Breakthrough San Francisco Elaine Weng M.D. M.D., M.S., Radiation Oncologist Abby Zanarini Philanthropist & Civic Leader
Christian Hendricks , Vice Chair Managing Partner, Extol Digital Aditya Kaddu , Treasurer Founder, Edstruments
Kerin McCarthy Fredman , Secretary President, Fredman Family Foundation Pinney Allen Lawyer, Philanthropist, Community Activist, and Education Leader Mark Contreras President & CEO, Connecticut Public Ted Cox Eastern Division Managing Director & Senior Investment Consultant, City National Rochdale Jose Davila Chief People Officer, J.Crew Group Cathy Dean Chief Operating Officer, Govern for California Steve Dessner Financial Services Executive Allan Dowiak Principal, Allan Dowiak Consulting, Inc. Pam Haering Marketing Executive & Non-Profit Education Consultant John Hiester Executive Director, Breakthrough Silicon Valley
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Our Community
National Staff
Vince Marigna Chief Executive Officer Alex Serna Chief Operating Officer Lereca Monik Chief External Affairs Officer Jonathan Appleby National Director of Recruitment Jane Atkinson AmeriCorps Director Mara Bernstein Director of Special Projects Kyle Bobrick Senior Manager of Marketing &
Linda Francis Manager of Learning and Instruction Samantha Geary College Access and Success Manager Tieler Giles Managing Director of Marketing & Communications Jane Hawthorne Data & Survey Associate Daryl Hayes National Director of Philanthropy Natalie Jacobs Hall Teaching Fellow Program Manager Ambler Mauger Ochstein Senior National Director of Institutional Partnerships Kylie Ortity Senior Development Operations Manager Tori Perrakis Senior Salesforce Administrator Kyla Phillips Senior Talent Manager Jenny Song Senior Manager of Research and Evaluation Kristi Aforismo White Controller
Communications Sara Camacho Senior Salesforce Manager Michael Chong Business Operations Manager Jee Deogracias Managing Director of Research and Technology Christina Donahue Director of Operations and Talent Phyllis Elick Managing Director of Programs
18 | 2024 Impact Report
Our Community
Funding Partners
Thank you for your continued support and generosity.
Breakthrough Collaborative | 19
2024 Financials Statement of Financial Position ASSETS Current Assets
2024
2023
$407,727 $398,376 $2,295,678 $3,937,657 $66,593
$58,194 $419,182
Cash and cash equivalents......................................................... Accounts receivable .................................................................. Current portion of pledges receivable........................................ Investments................................................................................. Prepaid and deposits..................................................................
$1,113,054 $5,072,952 $101,106
$7,106,031
$6,764,488
Total current assets.....................................................................
$5,759
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation ........................................................
$47,803
Other Assets Endowment investments ............................................................. ROU office lease........................................................................ Pledges receivable, net of current portion and present Value discount ...........................................................................
$113,300 $6,166
$113,300 $ 18,095
$850,251
$869,099
$8,081,507
Total assets.................................................................................
$7,812,785
2024
2023
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Current Liabilities
$244,456 $221,164 - $6,315 $111,917
$231,884 $193,452 $249,576 $12,041 $93,174
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses......................... Accrued paid time off ................................................................ Due to affiliates.......................................................................... Operating lease liability, current portion................................... Deferred revenue........................................................................
$583,852
$780,127
Total current liabilities................................................................
Long-term Liabilities Operating lease liability, net of current portion.........................
-
$6,310
-
$6,310
Total long-term liabilities............................................................
Net assets Without donor restrictions ......................................................... With donor restrictions ..............................................................
$4,015,125 $3,482,530
$4,562,608 $2,463,740 $7,026,348
$7,497,655
Total net assets ..........................................................................
$7,812,785
$8,081,507
Total liabilities and net assets ....................................................
20 | 2024 Impact Report
2024 Financials
Statement of Activities
2024
Without Donor Restrictions
With Donor Restrictions
Total
SUPPORT AND REVENUES Support
$1,510,523 $163,582 - $1,674,105 $141,000 $51,333 $455,911 $214,538 $24,122 $886,904
$3,661,996 $125,000 - $3,786,996
$5,172,519 $288,582 - $5,461,101 $141,000 $51,333 $455,911 $220,138 $24,122 $892,504
Contributions and grants.................... Government grants ............................ In-kind contributions........................... Total support ..................................... Revenue Site affiliation fees............................. Breakthrough Starter Pack revenue.... District revenue................................... Investment income, net....................... Miscellaneous .................................... Total revenue......................................
- - - $5,600 - $5,600
Net assets released from restrictions Total support and revenue .................
$2,773,806 $5,334,815
($2,773,806) $1,018,790
- $6,353,605
EXPENSES Program services ................................ Support services
$3,557,385
-
$3,557,385
$1,118,895 $1,206,018 $5,882,298
- - -
$1,118,895 $1,206,018 $5,882,298
Management and General ................ Fundraising ........................................ Total Expenses ...................................
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS
($547,483)
$1,018,790
$471,307
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING
$4,562,608
$2,463,740
$7,026,348
NET ASSETS, ENDING
$4,015,125
$3,482,530
$7,497,655
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415-442-0600 | PO Box 71420, Oakland CA 94612 | communications@breakthroughcollaborative.org Copyright © 2025 Breakthrough Collaborative
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