Breakthrough Greater Boston (BTGB) is a year-round, tuition-free program that offers ten years of academically intensive out-of-school time services to highly motivated, traditionally underserved middle and high school students in Greater Boston.
Breakthrough Greater Boston recruits 6th grade public school students district-wide in Cambridge and Somerville, and in our six partner schools in Boston: TechBoston Academy, New Mission Collegiate Academy, Neighborhood House Charter School, Codman Academy, Academy of the Pacific Rim, and Boston Preparatory Charter School.
Interested in learning more or joining Breakthrough? Visit our Student Application page.
Summer Program
The summer program is the highlight of a student’s Breakthrough middle school experience. Young, smart, energetic teaching fellows introduce middle school students to new and exciting topics in literature, math, social studies, science, and writing. With a student-to-staff ratio of 3:1, Breakthrough Greater Boston classes are small and allow students to receive individualized attention. Summer teachers, with the support of their instructional coaches, work to create engaging, student-centered classes that culminate in a hands-on final project. Students also take part in exciting field trips during the summer that bridge classroom learning with real world experience. All students receive up to two hours of homework each week night, and receive a great deal of support from their teachers to complete all assignments. Each day’s schedule includes time for mentoring, homework help, recess, and community building.
School Year Program
During 7th and 8th grade, Breakthrough Greater Boston students attend the weekly After School Program. The main goal of the After School Program (ASP) is to continue inspiring a love of learning for students during the school year. At the ASP, students receive homework assistance, one-on-one tutoring as needed, and take part in exciting hands-on STEAM workshops.
Advocacy
Breakthrough Greater Boston staff members are in regular communication with middle school students and their families to ensure that students are doing well both inside and outside the classroom. Breakthrough staff members communicate regularly with public school teachers, counselors, and administrators in order to track student progress and ensure students receive necessary services. Students who need additional academic support are matched up with Academic Mentors in core subjects of math, literature, science, and social studies, as well as study skills and independent school entrance exam prep. Finally, Breakthrough Greater Boston also employs licensed counselors during the summer who meet with teachers and staff to help support students’ social emotional health.