Contact: Bethany Nelson
Email: bethany@btny.org
Carnegie Contact: Angely Montilla
Email: AEM@carnegie.org
New York, NY (Oct 10, 2025) — Breakthrough New York (BTNY) is pleased to announce a $950,000 three-year grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York (Carnegie) to strengthen and expand its program with a key focus on its signature middle school program, which is the foundational entry point to its 10-year college access and success model. Carnegie’s support will allow BTNY to enhance its admissions process, ensure a stronger transition for students between middle school, high school, college, and career, and invest in families as strategic partners.
“Our support for Breakthrough New York reflects Carnegie Corporation of New York’s commitment to expanding educational opportunity as a pathway to economic and social mobility,” said Saskia Levy Thompson, Program Director of Education at Carnegie Corporation of New York. “By reaching students starting in middle school and providing the rigorous academics and mentorship opportunities that lead to future success, [BTNY] is leveling the playing field for low-income students in New York City.”
Carnegie’s investment will support BTNY’s recruitment, enrollment, and programming for three new cohorts of students through 2028. Over 500 students are enrolled across BTNY’s 10-year program annually. Through a combination of intensive summer programming designed to combat summer learning loss and year-round afterschool programming, BTNY’s middle school programming will prepare students for the rigor of competitive high schools and colleges through advanced coursework, test-prep, and enrichment opportunities.
Additionally, Carnegie’s investment will strengthen the development and ongoing training of BTNY’s middle school teaching professionals, including seasonal instructors, high school placement assistants, and summer Teaching Fellows. This funding will enhance both BTNY’s programming through refined instructional practices and strengthen the educator pipeline by equipping young professionals with hands-on classroom experience, mentorship from veteran teachers, and direct opportunities for curriculum development.
“The impact of Carnegie’s support cannot be overstated — investing resources in the earlier stages of our program will ensure our students matriculate into the right college prep, resource-rich high schools that will help catapult them into top colleges and universities throughout the country, with BTNY supporting every step of the way. We are so grateful for this partnership and what it means for students, families, and teachers throughout NYC,” said Nikki Thompson, Executive Director of Breakthrough New York.
By investing in both students and educators, this partnership reinforces BTNY’s dual mission: expanding educational opportunity for NYC youth while cultivating the next generation of teachers and leaders committed to equity in education.
About Carnegie Corporation of New York
Carnegie Corporation of New York was established by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding. Today, the foundation works to reduce political polarization through philanthropic support for the issues that Carnegie considered most important: education, democracy, and peace.