On the evening of October 16, 2025, Breakthrough Atlanta supporters, scholars, families, and Teaching Fellows gathered to celebrate the 10th annual Fund-A-Scholar at the Stave Room. For a decade, this special evening has celebrated student achievement while raising critical funds to ensure young people have the tools and support to thrive in high school, college, and beyond.
The night’s festivities included a cocktail hour, silent auction, raffle, dinner, and the community of supporters who care deeply about the educational and collegiate futures of our students. This year’s theme was “Celebrating Breakthrough’s All-Stars.”
As we approach our 30th anniversary year, we celebrate more than 3,300 middle and high school students that Breakthrough has prepared for college. Nearly 70% have earned bachelor’s degrees, which is more than two times the rate of all Georgia high school students. Three quarters of our 650 teaching fellow alumni have pursued careers in education.
During dinner, the program continued with remarks from Monique Shields, Breakthrough Atlanta CEO. Monique was joined on stage by Breakthrough scholars Jahsiah, in 7th grade, and Annelisse, in 8th grade:
We have a lot to be proud of here at Breakthrough and our work continues. At a time of global competition and high cost of living, fewer American high school students see themselves attending college and fewer college students see themselves becoming educators. These unfortunate trends make Breakthrough’s dual mission of placing highly motivated, underserved students on paths to college enrollment and success, and inspiring the next generation of teachers and education leaders more important than ever.
Following Monique, Brianna Bradshaw came to the podium. As a classroom teacher who participated in Breakthrough Atlanta as both a Teaching Fellow and an Instructional Coach, Brianna shared the story of her journey learning to work with students and said:
This is why Breakthrough matters. It’s not just a summer program. It’s a space where potential is nurtured — in students, in teachers, and in leaders. It’s a place where futures are shaped, not only for the scholars in the classroom, but for everyone who walks through these doors with a desire to make a difference.
“When I think about the future of education, I am filled with hope — hope because I’ve seen what happens when passionate people come together to support, uplift, and believe in one another. Hope because I’ve seen students discover their voice and teachers discover their purpose. And hope because programs like Breakthrough are cultivating the next generation of leaders — not just in classrooms, but in communities everywhere.
Next, Mareka Howard spoke to the room. Mareka’s son, Sah’Quarian (Que), joined Breakthrough Atlanta’s High School Readiness Program and continued through the College Prep Program. Earlier this year, Que graduated from Paul Duke STEM High School and is now attending New York Institute of Technology. Mareka said:
Breakthrough Atlanta changed everything for my son.
When he first joined the program, he was a shy kid who struggled and lacked confidence. He was searching for himself and for a place to fit in. As a parent who grew up in a low-income neighborhood in downtown Atlanta, I understand the importance of finding the right resources and programs to help our children be more confident and successful in all areas of life. For my son—and for so many others—that place was Breakthrough.
The entire Breakthrough experience helped me understand the importance of educating all students—so much so that I became a teacher myself.
I could talk for days about my family and our experience at Breakthrough. About how it changed our lives. About the positive effect it had on everyone in my family.
Mareka passed the mic to Jordan Campbell, the auctioneer for the past-paced live auction, where guests were particularly generous and engaged during the animated live auction.
We extend a special thank you to our corporate sponsors:
- Presenting Sponsor: Chick-fil-A Restaurants
- Presenting Media Sponsor: Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles
- Magna Cum Laude: JPMorganChase
- Cum Laude: Synovus and Troutman Pepper Locke LLP
- Honor Roll: City of Hope Atlanta, Dorsey Alston Realtors, Deloitte, Edible Arrangements, Hennessy Automobile Companies
- Dean’s List: Delta Community Credit Union
Throughout the year, Breakthrough Atlanta works throughout the education ecosystem in metro Atlanta. Our alliance with the Lovett School serves as a strong foundation upon which we have built partnerships with metro area public school systems, local colleges, and universities.
Breakthrough Atlanta fulfills a dual mission to increase academic opportunity for highly motivated, underserved students and get them into college ready to succeed; and inspire and develop the next generation of teachers and educational leaders.
All proceeds directly support Breakthrough Atlanta’s tuition-free, year-round programs that empower highly motivated, under-resourced students across metro Atlanta to increase academic opportunity and to succeed in school, pursue their dreams, and become the next generation of leaders.
Please explore our website for more information about Breakthrough Atlanta or to support our mission: www.breakthroughatlanta.org.
View the 2025 Fund-A-Scholar photo gallery here!
* All photos taken by Kim Evans.