Building the Next Generation of College-Bound Leaders
This summer, Breakthrough Atlanta proudly served nearly 100 high-school students across three transformative programs designed to empower, inspire, and prepare our scholars for post-secondary success. From rising 10th graders beginning their STEAM career journeys to graduating seniors heading off to college, our students embraced every opportunity to grow—academically, socially, and personally.
College Transition Bootcamp: Equipping Scholars for Life Beyond High School
This summer, Breakthrough Atlanta’s graduating seniors participated in the inaugural Senior Institute, a new program designed to support students during the pivotal transition from high school to college. Through targeted workshops, campus engagement, and personal development sessions, students gained essential knowledge and tools to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in their postsecondary journeys.
The Institute focused on three core areas:
- Financial Literacy & Aid Navigation: Helping students understand how to manage money, apply for financial aid, and make informed financial decisions.
- Identity, Safety & Wellness: Encouraging students to explore personal identity while learning strategies to maintain mental health, build healthy relationships, and stay safe on campus.
- College Readiness: Providing practical guidance on creating a best-fit daily class schedule, managing time effectively, and locating academic support resources on campus.
Students demonstrated remarkable growth throughout the program. College course readiness improved by 32.1 percentage points, and time management skills increased by 44.6 percentage points, equipping students with the ability to balance academic demands with personal well-being.
In addition to gaining valuable academic and life skills, participants had the opportunity to experience college life firsthand—building confidence, community, and a clear vision for what lies ahead.
Read more about our seniors’ journeys in our Scholar Sendoff Blog.
Summer Institute Spotlight: Rising 10th Graders Explore STEAM and College Pathways
This summer, rising 10th graders participated in college and career case study projects rooted in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields. The Summer Institute’s STEAM curriculum was intentionally designed to connect classroom learning to real-world applications, helping students see themselves in future college and career pathways.
- In Science, students explored Environmental Science, examining ecosystems and climate challenges.
- In Technology, they engaged with Artificial Intelligence, gaining early exposure to machine learning and ethical technology use.
- The Engineering track focused on Construction and Sustainability, integrating design thinking with environmental responsibility.
- In Art, students explored the film industry, analyzing how streaming platforms and budget constraints are reshaping visual storytelling.
- In Math, students studied Agriculture, using data and quantitative skills to better understand global food systems.
Students also deepened their College Knowledge—defined as the ability to connect the importance of college to one’s personal, career, and life goals—demonstrating a 15.7 percentage point increase in understanding from pre- to post-assessment.
The Summer Institute included immersive learning experiences beyond the classroom. Scholars visited Georgia State University for a firsthand look at college life and participated in STEM Day on the campus of Emory University, where the Georgia Aquarium joined students to explore marine science and conservation through interactive exhibits and workshops.
Pre-College Experiences: Preparing for Future Pathways
This summer, rising 11th and 12th graders participated in Breakthrough Atlanta’s Pre-College and Internship Program, designed to provide early exposure to college-level coursework and career exploration in high-demand fields. These Pre-College experiences offer a valuable summer opportunity for rising juniors and seniors seeking to enhance their educational journey, giving participants hands-on experience that prepares them for life beyond high school. Students engaged in specialized academic tracks, including:
- Cosmetic Chemistry
- Engineering
- Coding
- Health Science
- Economics
Through these immersive experiences, students built technical skills, explored career interests, and developed a clearer understanding of the pathways available to them after high school. In recognition of their achievements and to help reduce financial barriers, a total of $3,561 in pre-college and internship scholarships was awarded to participating students.
Looking Ahead: Powered by Promise, Fueled by Community
All of this is possible because of the support of our charitable community. Your support directly fuels these summer programs—programs that open doors, inspire confidence, and equip students with the skills and vision to succeed.
Together, we are making a lasting—and life-changing—impact. On behalf of all the students, families and future teachers we serve, thank you for making a difference!