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
Breakthrough Collaborative | 1
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