The Breakthrough 2 College (B2C) Program aims to increase the number of first-generation and/or low to moderate income high school students in Austin and surrounding areas including Pflugerville, Round Rock, Hutto and Manor - who are prepared for and enroll in higher education.  B2C will consist of: (1) SAT prep classes, financial aid workshops, scholarship research, tutoring, mentoring, college and scholarship essay writing seminars, personal development workshops, and admission and application assistance; and (2) Parent and student workshops on the financial aid process, student loan and debt management, college admission process, and college preparation.  B2C is a 5-year pilot program that will begin in the Fall of 2008 and continue until the Fall of 2013.  We fully expect to continue the program beyond 2013 as funding permits.

The Breakthrough 2 College Program will begin in the Fall of 2008.

The Breakthrough 2 College Program will consist of grade specific preparatory activities that will be built upon as they progress to each grade level. The program will bring students and their parents into the college information loop and create a model for other students to follow.  There are 5 programmatic thrusts: 

Academic Intervention Thrust- Program participants will receive on-going tutoring by volunteers and college students, academic advising, and attend a study skills workshop.

Character and Diversity Development Thrust- Program participants will be exposed to role models, community leaders, and speakers that motivate and raise their self-esteem, expectations, and sense of accountability.  Program participants will also participate in workshops and attend cultural events.

Mentor Thrust- Program participants will be paired up with a caring adult to be a positive influence in their lives. The mentor will model positive behavior and guide them to positive decision-making.

College and Career Awareness and Preparation Thrust- Program participants will participate in college admission and examination workshops, college visits, college fairs, academic advising, study skills workshops.  Program participants will participate in the Kaplan SAT Advantage Program.  Program participants will apply to at least 3 post-secondary institutions.  Program participants will participant in career exploration activities.  Program participants will participate in financial aid, scholarship, and student loan and debt management workshops.

Parental Involvement Thrust– The parental involvement thrust is the most important thrust.  Parents will attend parent workshops, learn how to advocate for and support their students, and they will be guided through the financial aid and college admission process.