AmeriCorps members served as teaching fellows during Breakthrough Atlanta’s 2021 summer learning experience.

For the second consecutive year, Breakthrough Atlanta received grant funds awarded by AmeriCorps to organizations that are tackling some of the toughest problems in Georgia. 

The $180K+ awarded to Breakthrough Atlanta will enable 46 AmeriCorps members to serve as teaching fellows during the organization’s 2022 signature summer learning program. The summer learning experience — which helps combat summer learning loss that occurs among underserved students — is a component of Breakthrough Atlanta’s six-year, tuition-free, year-round program that provides a pathway to college for hundreds of middle and high school students each year. AmeriCorps members also served as teaching fellows during Breakthrough Atlanta’s 2021 summer learning experience.

“We constantly strive to attract top talent for education leadership opportunities that will prepare a new and diverse generation of teachers,” said Monique Shields, Breakthrough Atlanta’s Executive Director. “This partnership with AmeriCorps provides a meaningful service opportunity that can have a lasting, transformational impact on our students and AmeriCorps members alike.” 

The teaching fellowship experience helps inspire the next generation of teachers and future educators. Fellows are relatable young adults who provide meaningful mentorship to students while simultaneously gaining valuable classroom experience.

“To be able to empower young scholars with the tools for academic success has been complete bliss these past few weeks,” said Mark Smith, an AmeriCorps member and recent teaching fellow. “I vividly foresee me as a teacher in the near future because of my experience here at Breakthrough Atlanta.”