
Breakthrough at Kent Denver News!
December 2020 Newsletter
2020 Year at a Glance
As we count down the days to 2021, we want to take time and reflect on this year. Acknowledging the challenging and unprecedented times 2020 presented, we believe it is imperative to celebrate both the little victories and major milestones.
Before the pandemic, we were able to visit over 30 Denver and Englewood Public Schools for new sixth grade student recruitment (class of 2026), and hosted a phenomenal 25th anniversary 'Give Your Love to Breakthrough Gala', which allowed us to meet all our fundraising goals.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were successful in finding creative ways to continue serving our students and aspiring teachers, we facilitated over-the-phone student applicant interviews to select our 2026 class of students, we organized and executed four resource and supply deliveries, we designed online tutoring to help our students stay on track, and we implemented our first ever virtual six-week Summer Program and nine-week Teacher Training Program.
AND recently, on December 12th, we had the opportunity to connect VIRTUALLY as a Breakthrough community for our last Saturday School of the year! We had over 100 student participants that joined! We reflected on this year, explored the identities of self and others, and played games to win some amazing prizes. Although we would have loved to gather in person, the safety of our community is our number one priority. Nonetheless, we are thrilled that virtual participation exceeded our expectations, and the Breakthrough spirit was alive and well!
While nothing could have prepared us for this year, we at Breakthrough are grateful for the chance to innovate and grow. We are grateful for YOU, our amazing Breakthrough community, and your support for this transformative work. We want to sincerely thank you for your commitment to closing the opportunity gap for our students, and to training the next generation of teachers.
Breakthrough Community Kudos - College Bound
We want to highlight two Breakthrough students who are persevering and exemplifying the values of Breakthrough. In addition to Breakthrough, these two students are a part of the QuestBridge community, which is a powerful platform that connects the nation's brightest students from low-income backgrounds with leading institutions of higher education and further opportunities. Breakthrough encourages students to explore multiple opportunities during their college bound process!
Ana Salazar
Ana is a current Senior attending DSST College View and has recently been accepted on a full-ride Scholarship to the University of Notre Dame in Indiana! Ana will graduate in the Spring of 2021, as a QuestBridge scholar and Breakthrough graduate, and plans to begin her studies in the Fall.
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What does Breakthrough mean to you?
"Breakthrough is my home and one of the only places where I truly felt I could be myself with no judgement. It was also the first place where I believed that attending college was achievable. It gave me hope for a brighter future: a future where I could mold myself into the person I always wanted to be, and I could be admitted to one of my dream universities"
In what ways has your Breakthrough experience contributed to your College Bound Journey?
"I have been with breakthrough for six years and those six years have truly been revolutionary for me and my journey. Breakthrough offered me support and opportunities that I would not have been aware of otherwise. There was comfort in knowing that if I ever needed help with something, I could reach out to the College Bound team. The SAT prep offered by the Breakthrough program allowed my practice SAT scores to increase over 150 points my Junior year.
The mentor program with the DU students also allowed me to connect with people who have gone through the college process, and being a first-generation student, that experience meant a lot to me. They helped me enhance various skills such as organization, applying for scholarships, and looking for ample summer opportunities."
Eric Montes
Eric is a current Senior attending West Leadership Academy and has recently been accepted on a full-ride Scholarship to Stanford University in California! Eric will graduate in the Spring of 2021, as a QuestBridge scholar and Breakthrough graduate, and plans to begin his studies in the Fall.
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What does Breakthrough mean to you?
"Being a part of Breakthrough, I was accepted and welcomed into a life-long collaborative community. It has served as the place where I discovered my academic and personal interests. I will always remember the role that Breakthrough has served in my development as a member of society, and what it has done to make college accessible for me."
In what ways has your Breakthrough experience contributed to your College Bound Journey?
"The Breakthrough staff is always willing to help out throughout the college admissions process. My high school did not offer many resources, so I appreciate that Breakthrough was able to fill in the gaps where my school could not support me. Through many unique and personal programs like SAT prep offered to high school Juniors, unique internship opportunities, and personal and constructive feedback on college essays, the Breakthrough program has served as a key role in my journey to college. It has allowed me to realize that my dreams are achievable and that I will have support and a strong community every step of the way."
Give Your Love to Breakthrough Virtual Celebration!
This year we will be hosting a week of virtual fundraising, awareness building and celebration for Breakthrough! Mark your calendars for February 15th - February 19th, 2021!
No RSVP card . . . No paddle raise . . . No live event...
BUT . . .
Still so many opportunities to sponsor, donate, bid on amazing items and engage with our amazing community of students and aspiring teachers!
New 6th Grade Student Recruitment Has Started!
Do you know a current sixth grade student?
- Are they dedicated?
- Are they motivated?
- Do they attend Denver or Englewood Public Schools?
If so, ENCOURAGE THEM TO APPLY TO BREAKTHROUGH!!
You can visit www.breakthroughdenver.org/prospective-students to get more information and submit an application! If you have questions feel free to text or call the Breakthrough cell phone at 720-225-8997.
Get In Touch With BKD!
Email: Breakthrough@Breakthrough.kentdenver.org
Website: breakthroughdenver.org
Location: 4000 East Quincy Avenue, Cherry Hills Village, CO, USA
Phone: 720-225-8997
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakthrough.denver
Twitter: @BreakthroughKD