Breakthrough Greater Boston Application

Application Open Status

Boston Application Open

Cambridge Application Open

Somerville Application Open

Application Site

Welcome to the Breakthrough Greater Boston Student Application

Deadline: Monday, February 3rd, 2025

Our mission at Breakthrough Greater Boston is to inspire excitement for learning, create paths to college, and promote careers in education.

Breakthrough Greater Boston prepares students for success in college and trains the next generation of urban teachers using a unique Students Teaching Students model. Through our six-year program, students gain a passion for learning and the perseverance and tools to succeed in college and beyond.

To complete this application you will need:

a family member
student who is applying to Breakthrough
most recent report card
IEP/504 documentation (if applicable)
6th grade teacher email for recommendation
45 to 90 minutes to complete all parts of the application

All students (and families) who submit an application to Breakthrough will be invited in for an in-person interview in February or March.

If you have any questions, reach out to admissions@btgbmail.org and we will be in touch shortly.

Boston Application Closed

We are no longer accepting applications for our Boston site for the upcoming program year. Please contact our office if you have questions.

Cambridge Application Closed

We are no longer accepting applications for our Cambridge site for the upcoming program year. Please contact our office if you have questions.

Somerville Application Closed

We are no longer accepting applications for our Somerville site for the upcoming program year. Please contact our office if you have questions.

Wait! Save your Progress!

As you complete sections of your application, don’t forget to save it so that you can come back to it later. Don’t worry—you can keep working on it right now, but make sure you save it as you make progress.

Please use A PERSONAL (OR PARENT) EMAIL RATHER THAN a SCHOOL EMAIL, if possible!

Student Statement

Directions for Completing the Student Statement: - Complete all questions independently. You may brainstorm your answers with a teacher, but all answers must be your own work. - Write in complete sentences and make sure you answer the question fully. Breakthrough wants to see your best writing! - There is no sentence or word minimum or maximum; answer each question thoroughly.

What is something that you struggle with or that is challenging for you in school? Why?

Tell us about something you’ve learned recently that made you curious or excited. How did you explore it, and how did you share what you learned with others?

Breakthrough teachers invent their own clubs to run at after school and summer program. We ask students what types of clubs they would like to see and from there we create a list. Past clubs: Step Club, Coding, Anime, Soccer, Chess, Robotics, and Debate. a. Invent a club that you would like to be a part of at Breakthrough. What type of club would it be? If you cannot think of one, choose one you would like to be a part of. b. Describe in three sentences or more the types of activities and topics it could include. Feel free to also suggest a final project or field trip we could do!

What do you enjoy most about being part of a community, and how do you try to contribute or help others in your school or neighborhood?

Student Essay

In 1-2 paragraphs, tell us why you want to become a member of the Breakthrough community. Please answer both of the following questions. Why do you want to be a Breakthrough student? A Breakthrough student is: future-focused, self-motivated, excited about learning, a positive community member, and committed to our six-year program. What are your goals over the next six years and how will Breakthrough help you achieve them? Goals can be academic, such as improving in a specific subject or getting into college, or socio-emotional, such as making friends and being able to speak in front of a large group. Remember: This should be your best work! We encourage you to write a first draft or an outline on a different piece of paper and then write your final draft below.

Essay Response:

Wait! Save your Progress!

As you complete sections of your application, don’t forget to save it so that you can come back to it later. Don’t worry—you can keep working on it right now, but make sure you save it as you make progress.

Please use A PERSONAL (OR PARENT) EMAIL RATHER THAN a SCHOOL EMAIL, if possible!

Academic Support Services

Does your child receive academic support services at school (Ex: IEP or 504 Plan)?

Plan Type

IEP or 504 Plan Grade Level

IEP Upload

504 Plan Upload

ELL Support Services

Does your child receive ELL support services?

Grade/Course Information

Please attach a 6th or 7th grade progress report or report card. You can also submit this information to admissions@btgbmail.org or mail it to: Breakthrough Greater Boston P.O. Box 381486 Cambridge, MA 02238

Breakthrough requires students to attend our 6-week summer program and weekly after school program. Are there other commitments you feel that would interfere with attendance in program?

Please explain any conflicts:

Parent/Guardian Commitment: By typing my name below, I signify that I understand that my child’s attendance during all parts of the program is mandatory. I also understand that my attendance at all scheduled family events is mandatory. I agree that I will try to the best of my ability to schedule all appointments, family events, trips, and any other activities around these dates to ensure my child’s full participation in the program.

Student Commitment: Breakthrough is a serious commitment. If you are admitted, you are expected to participate for all six years of the program. This includes:

- Six-week Summer Program during the summers before 7th, 8th, and 9th grade

- Monthly school year programming and field trips during 7th and 8th grade

- Weekly Study Hall during 9th and 10th grade

- College Access Program workshops and meetings in 11th and 12th grade

- Following the Breakthrough Code of Conduct and attending all required Breakthrough events

By signing below, you signify that you understand the expectations Breakthrough has for your participation and agree to do your best to meet them.

It takes a bit of time to process after you hit "Submit"
Please do not click submit again. Thanks for your patience!