Breakthrough Atlanta

Last weekend, 9th through 12th graders in our College Prep Program visited the University of Georgia! They participated in Community-Based Organization Day, hosted by Matthew Jon Huberty, Assistant Director of CBOs.

College campus tours are a cornerstone of exposing our scholars to the rigor and fun of the college environment as they prepare to pursue four-year degrees. The schedule at UGA included:

• College readiness: a "College-Minded" postsecondary lesson on high school schedules, GPA, extracurriculars, testing, and college selection.
• Campus tour: a guided walking tour highlighting major campus buildings and landmarks.
• Student experience: lunch at the campus cafeteria and a final stop at Sanford Stadium.

Thank you, UGA, for hosting and inspiring our scholars!

It all began in the summer of 1996 – when Breakthrough Atlanta first opened our doors on the campus of The Lovett School. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we’re taking a look at the three decades that shaped the programming we know today.

Did you know that Breakthrough, originally called Summerbridge Atlanta, was mostly a volunteer effort by students at The Lovett School? With the support of the Head of School, Jim Hendrix, and the first Executive Director, Keno Sadler, student committees did the heavy lifting to get the word out about the brand new program. Marketed to seventh graders as students and high school juniors and seniors as future teachers.

Read all about how we got our start, plus stories and quotes from the first ten years: https://breakthroughatlanta.org/celebrating-30-years-of-breakthrough-atlanta-the-first-decade-building-the-foundation.

We’re celebrating 30 years of opening doors, inspiring students, and transforming futures across Atlanta! You can make a difference in the lives of students and future educators by joining us for Fund-A-Scholar. With a cocktail hour, silent and live auctions, and stories from scholars and families, this lively evening is one of the most enjoyable ways to give back.

This year, we’re also celebrating four honorees who have given so much to Breakthrough Atlanta over the years: Keno Sadler (Founding Executive Director), David Ghegan (Board Member), Jim Hendrix (Former Head of School for The Lovett School, and Billy Peebles (Former Head of School for The Lovett School).

Purchase your tickets or sponsorship today and plan to join us at 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 12: https://breakthroughatlanta.org/fund-a-scholar.

A special thanks goes out to our Media Sponsor, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles: website: https://atlantahomesmag.com/?utm_source=breakthrough_atlanta_fund_a_scholar&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=breakthrough_atlanta_fund_a_scholar_2026&utm_id=2026_brand_awareness

Last week, Breakthrough Atlanta kicked off our first Senior Super Saturday of the year with a Common App Bootcamp, providing eight Breakthrough scholars with dedicated one-on-one support as they took an important step toward college.

Throughout the day, high school seniors worked alongside volunteers to:

✏️ Complete key sections of their Common Application
📝 Develop and strengthen their college essays
💬 Receive individualized guidance and feedback

College application season can feel overwhelming, but Breakthrough scholars don’t have to navigate it alone. Through hands-on support and personalized guidance, our College Prep Program helps students approach the process with greater confidence and preparation – all with the goal of getting into college and graduating with a four-year degree.

We’re proud of these eight seniors for the time, focus and effort they put in. The work continues throughout the fall!

This summer, middle school students spent five weeks learning, growing, and preparing for high school and the road to college.

Through Breakthrough Atlanta’s High School Readiness Program, students filled their summer with math, reading, and STEAM instruction, enrichment, mentorship, leadership development, and plenty of opportunities to explore, ask questions, and challenge themselves.

For middle schoolers, the summer is an important time to build both academic skills and confidence. But ask the students and they’ll tell you it’s also about making new friends, discovering new interests, building confidence, and beginning to picture themselves as successful high school students.

We’re already into the swing of our school year programming with our Super Saturdays and look forward to seeing our engaged scholars throughout the year!

As we embark on the 2026-2027 school year, we wish all of our Breakthrough Atlanta scholars the best as they return to the classroom! In our 30th summer, we celebrated in-depth learning, engaged students, and amazing songs (our Teaching Fellows have some serious talent and energy). Good luck, y’all!

Our annual fundraising dinner and auctions are back this fall and, this year, we’re celebrating 30 years of Breakthrough Atlanta! This event paves the way for students to get into and succeed in college, many of whom will be the first in their families to achieve this milestone. Every ticket purchase also supports future educators and fills the teacher shortage in Georgia.

🗓️ Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 12 at 6 p.m. and plan to join us! Tickets and sponsorships are available now at https://breakthroughatlanta.org/fund-a-scholar.