The annual Fund-A-Scholar event supports Breakthrough Atlanta’s educational programming and celebrates students’ accomplishments. Photo credit: Jack Parada.
On November 7, Breakthrough Atlanta will celebrate and honor metro Atlanta middle and high school students, along with college students from across the country, with its annual fundraising celebration: Fund-A-Scholar. This event funds Breakthrough Atlanta’s year-round, life-changing educational programming for underserved students. In its nearly 30-year history, Breakthrough Atlanta has fostered positive academic and personal transformations for more than 3,100 7th – 12th graders and 650 college students.
“With the support of Breakthrough Atlanta, our students are getting a head start on life,” said Monique Sheilds, CEO of Breakthrough Atlanta. “Our scholars are overcoming obstacles to accomplish their goal of graduating from college. At the same time, our future educators are gaining the experience and confidence they need to succeed in classrooms across the country. With determination and hard work, they are tapping into their potential to be future leaders in their communities.”
Grounded in the philosophy of students teaching students, Breakthrough Atlanta provides social and academic enrichment to 7th – 12th graders in its six-year, tuition-free program so they can succeed in college and life. Scholars advance through two programs – the High School Readiness Program as rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders followed by the College Prep Program as rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders.
In partnership with AmeriCorps, the organization also provides a paid teaching internship to college students interested in becoming educators so they can confidently pursue their dream career. As Teaching Fellows, these college students gain educational experience by instructing the middle and high school scholars.
With the right tools and support, students are overcoming educational disparities such as under-resourced schools, education disparities, teacher shortages, and a lack of confidence. Nearly 500 scholars are currently enrolled in the year-round program. For a majority of the students, they will be the first in their families to graduate from college.
Now in its ninth year, Fund-A-Scholar typically welcomes over 400 attendees and raises nearly half-a-million dollars. Funds from last year’s sell-out event are covering 150 student scholarships in 2024.
This year’s Fund-A-Scholar celebration will take place on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at The Stave Room (199 Armour Drive, NE, Atlanta, 30324). The event includes a lively cocktail hour, gourmet seated dinner, spirited silent and live auctions, a raffle, and an inspiring program featuring former students and teaching fellows sharing their journey.
“I’m a living testament to how impactful the program can be. Twenty-two years ago is when my Breakthrough story began,” said Jamal Hill, Esquire. “Little did I know, it would be the beginning of my own personal breakthrough. It was the foundation that gave me the confidence and high expectations that led me on the path to college, and ultimately on to law school to officially become Jamal Hill, Esquire.” Jamal is currently an attorney in Philadelphia and serves as board member for Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia.
Breakthrough Atlanta is 100% reliant on generous charitable donations to sustain their programs and to help students overcome barriers to educational success. Fund-A-Scholar is made possible through Presenting Sponsors, Chick-fil-A and Delta Air Lines, Media Sponsor Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles, and additional sponsors. A special thanks to the 2024 Committee Chairs, Martha Bosworth, Jaclyn Cannon, and Courtney Kirk, and the rest of the event committee.
Tickets and tables can be purchased online at breakthroughatlanta.org/fund-a-scholar through October 18.
For sponsorship information, please contact Michelle Guski, Director of Development: mguski@breakthroughatl.org and (470) 852-8903.