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Breakthrough Long Island is a tuition-free academic enrichment program for motivated and talented students from various communities of Nassau County who work with outstanding college and high school students interested in teaching. Many of the students selected for Breakthrough Long Island come from diverse and sometimes limited economic and educational backgrounds. Breakthrough Long Island is a comprehensive academic program composed of an intensive six-week summer session and year-round academic enrichment Saturday courses. Breakthrough Long Island emphasizes academic excellence, leadership, creativity and diversity.
Objectives
To inspire in young students a love of learning and to prepare them to enter-and succeed in strong academic high school programs.
To establish a group of highly motivated students to serve as role models of their peers.
To challenge the diverse group of students to be a part of creating an open and nurturing community.
To encourage and prepare outstanding high school and college students to enter the field of education.
History
The program began in 1991 with 20 students and three staff members. For the summer of 2004, there were 66 students and 25 staff members.
Breakthrough joined the Summerbridge National Collaborative in 1994. In 2001 Summerbridge National changed its name to Breakthrough. The program strives to attain Breakthrough results:- 92% of Breakthrough graduates move in to strong academic high school programs. - 64% of the Breakthrough college teaching staff have pursued careers in education.
From 1997-2000 the program was selected as a recipient of the national AmeriCorps grant.
Students
The program consists of rising seventh and eighth grade students.
Students are recruited from the public schools of Glen Cove, Hempstead, Uniondale, Westbury, and Roosevelt.
Participants come from diverse ethnic, economic, and educational backgrounds.
Teachers
Breakthrough Long Island teachers are recruited from local high schools and colleges nationwide.
All teachers complete a 10 day training program and are evaluated throughout the summer.
Breakthrough teachers use professionally developed curriculum, lead special activities, teach classes and serve as role models and friends to the students.
The Summer Program
Students take: morning courses offered in Literature, Writing, Mathematics, Sciences, and Research, complimented by one afternoon elective class ranging from performing and studio arts, sports, poetry to computers or dance.
All students participate in various field trips and special events.
Classes consist of five to nine students per class, enabling hands-on learning to take place.
The work is demanding, skill based, and focused upon preparing students for success in high school.
Students complete approximately two hours of homework per night.
The students participate in a Community Meeting modeled after the Quaker Meeting for Worship.
Community service is integral to the curriculum.
School Year Program
Students attend 2-3 Saturday School classes a month, consisting of standardized test preparation in math and verbal skills and enrichment elective courses.
Long-Term Involvement
Select alumni participate in an internship program in which they reinforce study skills, assist summer teachers, and develop a long-term service project.
Academic counseling helps students and their families in preparing for academically challenging middle and high school programs.
The program maintains communication with the students and their families throughout high school.
Funding
Breakthrough Long Island is funded through local corporations, businesses, and individuals while Friends Academy provides in-kind space and administrative services.
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