WHAT IS BREAKTHROUGH MANCHESTER?

IS BREAKTHROUGH MANCHESTER FOR ME?
Breakthrough Manchester students come from many different backgrounds, but they all share one thing in common: a love of learning! Breakthrough Manchester students participate in programming all year, exploring academic classes like science, math, and English and enrichment classes like criminology, coding, soccer, and more. The curriculum is created through the lens of social justice issues impacting our community. If you are a student who wants to achieve academically, go to college, and make a real impact in your community, Breakthrough is the place for you! 

WHAT DOES COMMITMENT TO BREAKTHROUGH MANCHESTER LOOK LIKE?
Students attend a six-week summer program for three years and two school-year programs during 7th and 8th grade which occur on five Saturday mornings. These days all packed with learning and fun. Students are encouraged to continue Breakthrough in high school through the College-Bound program at Southern New Hampshire University which focuses on college visits, college applications, financial aid, and more!

WHAT ARE THE TEACHERS AND THE CLASSES LIKE?

Breakthrough Manchester uses a students-teaching-students model with teachers who are talented high school and college students. They make learning exciting, challenging, rewarding, and fun! During the summer, Teaching Fellows design classes that focus on math, science, writing, and literature, and fun extracurriculars. During the school year, the Super Saturday Program focuses on enrichment and skill-building courses. In addition to classes, students visit colleges, tour museums, and historical sites, volunteer in the community, and participate in Breakthrough Olympics & Spirit Day!

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Breakthrough Manchester is completely FREE, including all summer and school-year programming, transportation, field trips, meals, and snacks. However, you must be committed to showing up, working hard, and staying involved.

IS TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED?
Yes! Buses pick you up near your home in the morning and return you there in the afternoon. During the school year, families are asked to help out with transportation. However, transportation is available if needed. 

IS THERE HOMEWORK?
At Breakthrough Manchester, our goal is to cultivate a community in which students and teachers can think, learn, and grow. As part of that process, students will be expected to complete up to one hour and thirty minutes of homework per day during the summer program.
HOW ARE STUDENTS SELECTED? 
Breakthrough selects students based on their demonstrated academic commitment and motivation, teacher recommendations, parental commitment, and demonstrated need. Decision letters will be sent out by April 29th. Whether accepted or not, going through the process is a valuable experience. Remember to relax and have fun with the application, follow all instructions carefully, and most importantly, be yourself! 

AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY? 
To be eligible to apply for Breakthrough, you must:
  • Currently be in sixth grade 
  • Like to learn and be willing to work hard (mostly A’s and B’s on report cards; no D’s or F’s)
  • Aspire to attend college and obtain a four-year degree (even if you decide to start at a two-year school)
  • Commit to the full program schedule 
All applications will be considered, however, we prioritize applications for students who live in Manchester, NH and meet two or more of the following criteria:
  • Student will be the first in family to graduate from a college or university in the U.S. with a four year degree
  • Student is eligible for free or reduced lunch at school
  • Student speaks a language other than English at home
  • Student identifies as a person of color
  • Student lives in a single-parent household or alternative family household

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