Program shift 1: Breakthrough will recruit its new incoming class from the sixth grade, rather than the fifth grade, and three summers will be required.  In the past, Breakthrough Manchester has recruited students in 5th grade to participate in two required summer sessions as rising 6th and rising 7th graders, with an optional third summer as rising 8th graders.  Beginning January 2015, the program will recruit students in 6th grade with the expectation that three summers will be required as rising 7th, 8th and 9th graders.  This means that Breakthrough will be recruiting from 4 middle schools rather than 14 elementary schools, and the program will bridge the all-important transition to high school, including advocacy for, and the selection of, college-bound coursework for students.

 

Program shift 2: Breakthrough will be a three-year program, with an option to stay involved in high school or connect with other college-bound programming. For the past several years, Breakthrough Manchester has required students in fifth grade and their families to commit themselves to Breakthrough for seven years.  While many students and families wish to stay involved for this length of time, others begin to disengage with Breakthrough as other extracurricular opportunities and  obligations begin to compete for time in high school.  Beginning this year, Breakthrough high school students will be provided with several options to stay on track with college-bound programming such as Upward Bound, UNH's Education Talent Search, St. Anselm College's Access Academy, and others.  Continued involvement with Breakthrough, including support from Derryfield's College Counseling office, will be one of those options.  Participation will be voluntary, not required, and Breakthrough will facilitate the successful transition of these students to their chosen option.  

Breakthrough Manchester has gathered an Advisory Committee of diverse stakeholders to guide, promote, connect and support Breakthrough's dual mission and programming with the broader community.   Advisory Committee members cultivate effective relationships with stakeholder groups, maintain a singular focus on the program's mission and serve as Breakthrough ambassadors to the education, business, philanthropic and client communities.  Read the full Advisory Committee member job description. 

Nigel Donovan

Jane Gardner

Mary Heath

Jonathan Ross

The development of talented human capital is an essential business concern. Breakthrough Manchester takes the long view on this issue, recognizing that college and career readiness that begins in high school is often too late. 

We specialize in discovering latent talent and a strong work ethic among Manchester's sixth graders, many of them from families with limited means, new to the country or the first in their family to aspire to college.  We develop that talent, boost confidence and prepare students to enroll and succeed in rigorous high school coursework by providing three tuition-free, academically challenging summers in a high-energy and positive environment.  Breakthrough provides an essential middle bridge as these students transition from elementary school and then into high school.  

We also specialize in developing talented college students (and some high achieving high school students, too) as excellent teachers by providing the type of intensive, practical training in teaching rarely offered to those who are considering or just beginning their studies in education.  Based on Doug Lemov's landmark Teach Like a Champion, culled from years of observing the techniques of highly effective teachers, Breakthrough Instructional Training and intensive mentoring is designed to help teachers learn about, observe and practice essential planning and classroom skills.