Break Through To College

Breakthrough Providence is a six-year program which provides rigorous and culturally relevant academic enrichment and leadership development during critical out-of-school times to low-income, first generation college-bound Providence public school students. Breakthrough Providence leverages the relational power of near-peers to serve as teachers, tutors, mentors, and advisors through a “students teaching students” model.

The components of Breakthrough Providence include:

  • two 6-week Summer Programs during rising 7th and 8th grade summers, integrating academic skill-building and healthy identity development
  • two Oct-May School Year Programs during 7th and 8th grade school years, developing critical thinking and communication skills
  • biannual College Bound Conferences during 9th-12th grade
  • multiple opportunities for volunteer & teaching opportunities
  • ongoing mentoring and guidance to ensure individual success

Apply to be a student.

College Access: Immediate Postsecondary Enrollment

73% of Breakthrough Providence students immediately enroll in a 2-year or 4-year college after graduating from high school. This is compared to 58% of all low-income high school graduates in the U.S.

College Access: Immediate 4-year College Going

61% of Breakthrough Providence students immediately enroll in a 4-year college after graduating from high school. This is compared to 44% of all high school graduates in the U.S.

College Persistence: to Junior Year

72% of Breakthrough Providence students enrolled in a 4-year college persist to their junior year. This is compared to 55% of all first generation college freshmen in the U.S.

College Success: Graduation from 4-year Colleges

72% of Breakthrough Providence students graduate from a 4-year college within 6 years. This is compared to 51% of all low-income high school students in the U.S.