Breakthrough Stories
Highlighting bright spots in our Breakthrough community
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Associates Board Chair Spotlight: Shannon McDonald
Shannon McDonald has been with Breakthrough New York (BTNY) since 2018, starting as a volunteer and, in 2022, stepping up as chair of the Associates Board. Over the past few years, Shannon’s leadership has helped the board grow in size, community, and impact. She’s...
Alumni Spotlight: Karen Li’s Breakthrough Story
Breakthrough New York profoundly emphasizes community, viewing it as essential to fostering a sense of belonging and collective empowerment among our students, families, volunteers, and staff. For Karen Li (Yale University, Class of 2023), that sense of community...
Staff Reflection: Community is What We Do
Anita has worked for Breakthrough New York for nearly four years, first as a Brooklyn Program Manager and now as the Senior Middle School Program Advisor. In this essay, she reflects on the magic of the Breakthrough community and her experiences building project-based...
Teaching Fellow Spotlight: Mayisha Fariha
This summer, Mayisha Fariha worked as a Teaching Fellow for Breakthrough New York's intensive, five-week middle school summer program. She is entering her senior year at Hunter College, where she is double majoring in Adolescent Education and History. Inspired by her...
Class of 2028 College Picks
Breakthrough New York congratulates the Class of 2028 on their college enrollments! These impressive college freshman have enrolled in both public and private institutions across the country. Check out the full list of college picks below! Afia - Lehigh University...
Breakthrough New York Names New Executive Director Nikki Thompson
Breakthrough New York announced today that Nikki Thompson will be its new Executive Director. Nikki started in her new role on May 15, 2024 and brings with her an extensive background in the social sector in NYC, with a focus on K-16 education. She started her career...
