Student Admissions
How Our Program Works
Breakthrough New York is a tuition free program that empowers motivated students from low-income households to graduate from college and pursue fulfilling and sustaining careers. It is a ten-year program that starts the summer before 7th grade all the way through college.
7th – 9th Grade
We offer summer and after-school programs for enrichment, and help students apply to excellent high schools.
9th – 12th Grade
We hold workshops focused on wellness, professional skills, and applying to top colleges.
College
We provide mentors to help students succeed in their academics, finances, wellness, and career readiness.
Why Become A Breakthrough Scholar?
-
Get a head-start on the school year
-
Join a group of kids as motivated as you are
-
Come to a place where it’s cool to be smart
-
Meet high school and college age role models
-
Reach for your wildest dreams
-
Be an inspiration to your community
Is My Student Eligible?
STUDENTS SELECTED FOR BREAKTHROUGH MUST MEET ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
- Enrolled in 6th grade in public, charter, or private school during the 2024-2025 school year
- Come from a low-income household (see the chart below)
- Academically motivated with a Level 3 or higher on the 2023–2024 Standardized State Assessment and an 85% or above in ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies on their 6th-grade report card
- Can attend both school year and summer programming
STUDENTS SELECTED FOR BREAKTHROUGH MEET AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
- First-generation to pursue college: Parent(s) did not graduate college or university in the U.S.
- First-generation American
- Identify as a racial or ethnic minority
- Live in a single parent household
How to Apply
Current 6th grade applicants will follow the steps below to complete your application.
Step 1
Attend a Virtual Information Session to learn more about BTNY.
Sign up for an Information Session HERE
Step 2
Submit Part 1 of your application by January 17, 2025 (contact, academic and self-reported financial information).
Start an Application here.
Step 3
Submit Part 2 of the application by March 7, 2025 (short-responses, essay, teacher recommendations, and proof of income)
Step 4
Participate in a student & family interview in late-spring.
Step 5
Receive an admissions offer by the week of May 5, 2025!
For more information regarding how to become a Breakthrough New York Scholar, please contact Andrew Lindsay, Director of Admissions at 917-633-5757 or by email at [email protected].
Admissions Resources For School & Community Partners
NOMINATE A 6TH GRADER
Are you a teacher or school administrator who knows a current 6th grade student who meets BTNY’s criteria and would be a good fit for our program? We encourage you to nominate them by Friday, December 20, 2024!
Contact BTNY Director of Admissions, Andrew Lindsay, at [email protected] to learn more
ADMISSIONS ENGAGEMENT GUIDE for SCHOOL and CBO PARTNERS
For more information about our program and how you can partner with us to support students and families from your community through our admissions process, please download our Student Admissions Engagement Guide for Schools and CBO Partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Breakthrough New York?
Breakthrough New York is an educational equity non-profit for NYC students that provides a ten-year, tuition-free, year-round program designed to empower students from low-income households on their pathway to college. Our goal is to provide students with the resources and support they need to thrive in high school, college, and beyond!
How does Breakthrough New York work?
Students begin Breakthrough the summer before their 7th grade year and participate in engaging programming designed to support their academic and personal growth from middle school through college.
During middle school, students participate in our dynamic Summer Program, for three summers, which includes:
- Reading, Writing, Math, and Science classes to get a head start for the upcoming school year.
- Creative electives in areas like public speaking, sports, and more!
During the school year, 7th and 8th graders attend our After-School Program, which provides test prep, application support, and coaching to help them gain admission to selective public and private high schools.
During high school, Breakthrough guides 9th–12th graders and their families through the college application process, ensuring students find the best-fit colleges and secure scholarships and grants (versus loans). Our program offerings include:
- Small-group workshops with college recruiters, access to college fairs, and SAT test prep
- Financial aid counseling and one-on-one college advising
- Interactive skill-building sessions covering topics such as goal setting, time management, study habits, and personal values
Does Breakthrough New York cost anything?
Breakthrough New York’s programs are completely free! The only cost is the ten-year time commitment.
Where does the middle school summer and afterschool program take place and does Breakthrough provide transportation?
Our students attend the middle school program (summer and afterschool) at one of the following 3 sites, based on their preference:
- Bronx: All Hallows High School (111 E 164th St, Bronx, NY 10452)
- Brooklyn: BTNY’s Financial District Office (39 Broadway Suite 820, New York, NY 1006)
- Manhattan: The Town School (540 East 76th Street, New York, NY 10021)
Students must attend the same site for their summer and school year programming. In order to get to the after-school program on time, we recommend students apply to the site closest to their current middle school.
Our students attend over 100 different schools across the city, so we do not provide busing to our programs. Students are responsible for commuting to our after-school and summer programs, whether through public transportation, car pool, or parent transportation. We will provide free MetroCards during the summer and after-school program – if students don’t already have one from their school – so students can travel to program. When possible, we will connect students to others at their site so they can travel together.
What are the middle school program dates and times?
- Students participate in our mandatory 5-week summer program, held from early July to early August, starting the summer before 7th, 8th, and 9th grade, with sessions running every weekday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
- During the school year, students attend our mandatory after school program on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:45 pm–6:45pm at one of our three BTNY Sites.
I am not able to attend all of the program dates. Can I still participate?
Students must be able to attend 100% of our programming once they are admitted. It is important that your family can support this commitment before you choose to apply.
If I’m accepted, do I have to attend all ten years of programming?
Yes, students who enroll in Breakthrough New York commit to participating in our programs for ten years – from middle school through college graduation.
How do I apply to Breakthrough?
If you are a current 6th grader or the parent/guardian of one and meet our eligibility requirements, you can apply here by January 17, 2025.
How are students evaluated for admission to the program?
Beyond meeting the basic eligibility requirements, students are evaluated based on satisfactory grades, test scores, recommendations from their ELA and Math teachers, and a group interview.
How do I nominate a student to apply to Breakthrough New York?
- If you are a school administrator please email Director of Admissions, Andrew Lindsay at [email protected] to learn about how to partner with us for the 2024-2025 admissions season!
- If you are interested in nominating a friend or family member feel free to nominate them using our nomination form here!
Are Information Sessions mandatory?
No, our Virtual Information Sessions are not mandatory. However, we highly encourage families and students to sign up as it’s a great opportunity to learn more about what Breakthrough New York is, the program commitments, eligibility requirements, the admissions processes, and more! We will be holding information sessions for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle beginning in November, 2024.
I don’t meet all of the requirements for Breakthrough New York. Is there another program I can apply to?
Yes. Check out this list of other out-of-school programming in New York City.
