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Welcome to the Breakthrough Twin Cities Student Application 2022-2023

April 2023: We are still accepting applications for remaining spots.

Please apply SOON since spots are limited!

For questions about the application & remaining spots, contact:

Eastern Carver County: Emma Silkey, esilkey@breakthroughtwincities.org

Saint Paul: Simon Lee, slee@breakthroughtwincities.org

Breakthrough Twin Cities is forming its next class of students and making a commitment to help these students get to college! Our goal is to identify young people who will benefit from and who will take full advantage of the opportunities that Breakthrough Twin Cities offers.

To help us customize your application experience, please select the program that you would like to apply to:

Saint PaulEastern Carver County

Si quiere ver la aplicación en español, haz clic aquí (esta página se cerrará).

Characteristics of a Breakthrough Twin Cities Student

To apply to Breakthrough this year, you should currently be in sixth grade. Breakthrough students demonstrate and work to improve their ability to live out our Breakthrough Codes for College Success.

Be Breakthrough: Demonstrates motivation to learn, work hard, and find their own, unique path to college
Strive to Understand: Appreciates differences in others and seeks to learn more about others’ points of view.
Relish Hard Work Together: Tries to work well with teachers, school counselors and family members. We’re here as a team, so parent(s) and guardian(s) also have to be committed to student’s success in the program
Be Grateful: Shows respect towards peers and adults and works to make Breakthrough a great place for everyone
Be Curious: Demonstrates excitement about learning and eagerness to explore their passions and interests
Live the Growth Mindset: Willing to accept feedback
Persist: Knows that getting to college takes a lot of work and is fully committed to the 6-year Program

In addition, Breakthrough Twin Cities students typically meet two or more of the following criteria:

Are the first in their families to graduate from a four-year college
Are low-income (qualify for free or reduced lunch)
Speak a language other than English at home
Are from a single-parent family
Identify as a racial or ethnic minority group that is under-represented in college

Characteristics of a Breakthrough Twin Cities Student

To apply to Breakthrough this year, you should currently be in sixth or seventh grade. Breakthrough students demonstrate and work to improve their ability to live out our Breakthrough Codes for College Success.

Be Breakthrough: Demonstrates motivation to learn, work hard, and find their own, unique path to college
Strive to Understand: Appreciates differences in others and seeks to learn more about others’ points of view.
Relish Hard Work Together: Tries to work well with teachers, school counselors and family members. We’re here as a team, so parent(s) and guardian(s) also have to be committed to student’s success in the program
Be Grateful: Shows respect towards peers and adults and works to make Breakthrough a great place for everyone
Be Curious: Demonstrates excitement about learning and eagerness to explore their passions and interests
Live the Growth Mindset: Willing to accept feedback
Persist: Knows that getting to college takes a lot of work and is fully committed to the 6-year Program

In addition, Breakthrough Twin Cities students typically meet two or more of the following criteria:

Are the first in their families to graduate from a four-year college
Are low-income (qualify for free or reduced lunch)
Speak a language other than English at home
Are from a single-parent family
Identify as a racial or ethnic minority group that is under-represented in college

Breakthrough Twin Cities Student Application 2022-2023

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 28, 2023

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Thanks for your interest in applying to Breakthrough Twin Cities! If you have any questions about applying to Breakthrough Twin Cities, please email learn@breakthroughtwincities.org. There are also Frequently Asked Questions and Answers at the bottom of this application.

In the following pages you will be asked to provide:

Student Statement:

Personal Information
School Information
Essay Question
Statement of Understanding

Parent/Guardian Statement:

Parent/Guardian 1 Information
Parent/Guardian 2 Information
Family Information
Parent/Guardian Short Answer

Student and Family Expectations

Middle School – Summer Program
Middle School – School Year Program
College Bound Program
Statement of Understanding
Transportation

Student Information Release

This form will allow Breakthrough Twin Cities to access your child’s grades through their school report card.

IDENTITY AND DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Breakthrough Twin Cities collects demographic data for students in our program in order to be able to describe the communities we serve and better understand how we can improve our programming for participating families. We understand that ethnicity is a complex part of identity, involving such factors as nationality, cultural identities, faiths, language, and more. We use ethnicity data at the group level for reporting and analysis, and not on an individual level. We would never share a student’s ethnicity data outside of our program without your express permission as a family, and only for the purposes of sharing student success stories to gain support for the program.

It is helpful to us to collect this data, but we also respect the individual and family rights not to identify in this way. If you have any additional questions, please contact BTC staff at 651-748-5592 or at learn@breakthroughtwincities.org.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Breakthrough Twin Cities? BTC is a non-profit that has operated in St. Paul since 2005. Our mission is to prepare under-resourced students for college and train the next generation of educators. We currently work with nearly 400 students in St. Paul and 30 students in ECC. We produce amazing results-- 98% of BTC students go to college and BTC students receive an average of $25,000-$30,000 in financial aid for college. All of our programming is free and students are with us from 6th - 12th grade.

What commitments will I have to make to Breakthrough Twin Cities?

If you are accepted to Breakthrough Twin Cities as a student, you are expected to participate actively in the program starting the summer before seventh grade through the end of your senior year in high school.

Is this program mandatory?

No. Students opt in and apply to participate in BTC.

What is the Breakthrough Summer 2023 schedule?

The tentative Summer 2023 schedule (subject to change) is Monday through Friday from around 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, starting Wednesday June 28 through August 4, 2023, with Celebration in the afternoon and evening of August 5. There will be no Breakthrough on July 4th. Due to transportation scheduling, there may be some alterations to this schedule—if so, we will notify families as soon as possible.

Is it OK to miss a few days of the program for vacation?

Daily attendance at Breakthrough Twin Cities is mandatory, except in cases of illness. With only 40 days of summer programming each year, students who are absent will fall behind quickly and miss valuable instruction. If your family is planning an extended vacation during the Breakthrough dates, you should talk to Breakthrough staff before applying to the program.

Where is Breakthrough Twin Cities?

Breakthrough Twin Cities has two sites in Saint Paul:

Mounds Park Academy: 2051 Larpenteur Ave E, St. Paul, MN 55109

St. Paul Central High School: 275 N Lexington Pkwy, St. Paul, MN 55105

Is transportation provided?

If you live in Saint Paul, buses will pick you up and drop you off at points near your homes. If you do not live in Saint Paul or change schools outside Saint Paul, families are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the program.

Are meals provided?

Yes. During the summer, we will provide breakfast, lunch, and a snack to all students. You may bring lunch if you desire.

How much does the program cost?

Nothing. Breakthrough Twin Cities is tuition-free for students. Due to support from Mounds Park Academy, the Saint Paul Public Schools and numerous supporters, students pay nothing to participate. We expect families and students to “pay” for the program through their commitment.

When do I find out if I am accepted?

All student applications are due by February 28, 2023. BTC takes approximately two months to review all applications. In late-March, we notify those students and families who we would like to accept, and invite them to a final in-person enrollment meeting. Unfortunately, because of a limited number of spaces, we cannot accept every student who applies.

What are the responsibilities of Breakthrough parents and guardians?

Parental support is very important for academic success and that holds true at Breakthrough Twin Cities. We will ask for your support in ensuring that your child attends the program every day and does his or her homework consistently.

Breakthrough Twin Cities Student Application 2022-2023

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 28, 2023

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

In the following pages you will be asked to provide:

Student Statement:

Personal Information
School Information
Essay Question
Statement of Understanding

Parent/Guardian Statement:

Parent/Guardian 1 Information
Parent/Guardian 2 Information
Family Information
Parent/Guardian Short Answer

Student and Family Expectations

Middle School – Summer Program
Middle School – School Year Program
College Bound Program
Statement of Understanding
Transportation

Student Information Release

This form will allow Breakthrough Twin Cities to access your child’s grades through their school report card.

IDENTITY AND DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Breakthrough Twin Cities? BTC is a non-profit that has operated in St. Paul since 2005. Our mission is to prepare under-resourced students for college and train the next generation of educators. We currently work with nearly 400 students in St. Paul and 30 students in ECC. We produce amazing results-- 98% of BTC students go to college and BTC students receive an average of $25,000-$30,000 in financial aid for college. All of our programming is free and students are with us from 6th - 12th grade.

What commitments will I have to make to Breakthrough Twin Cities?

Is this program mandatory?

No. Students opt in and apply to participate in BTC.

What is the Breakthrough Summer 2023 schedule?

Is it OK to miss a few days of the program for vacation?

Where is Breakthrough Twin Cities?

Programming takes place at:

Chaska High School: 545 Pioneer Trail, Chaska, MN 55318

Is transportation provided?

Partnering with Eastern Carver County, Breakthrough Twin Cities provides transportation to and from the program at Chaska High School during both the summer and school year to those students who are enrolled in an Eastern Carver County school. If your child switches out of an Eastern Carver County School after being enrolled in Breakthrough Twin Cities, you will be responsible for transportation to and from the program.

Are meals provided?

Yes. During the summer, we will provide breakfast, lunch, and a snack to all students. You may bring lunch if you desire.

How much does the program cost?

Nothing. Breakthrough Twin Cities is tuition-free for students. Due to support from Eastern Carver County Schools and the Cargill Foundation, students pay nothing to participate. We expect families and students to “pay” for the program through their commitment.

When do I find out if I am accepted?

What are the responsibilities of Breakthrough parents and guardians?

STUDENT INFORMATION

First Name

Middle Name/Initial

Last Name

Pronouns

Preferred Name

Street Address

City

State

Zip Code

Student's Preferred Email Address

Student's Preferred Phone Number

Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)

Country of Birth

Gender

MaleFemaleI'd like to specify

Gender (Specified)

Do you or have you had a family member in Breakthrough?

NoYes

Name(s):

Race/Ethnicity

Ethnicity Detail (Example: Hmong, Somali, Mexican, Karen)

SCHOOL INFORMATION

Current School

Current Grade Level

If Not Listed, Name of School:

Student School ID

If you attend a St. Paul Public School you can likely find this 6-digit number on your student ID card and you may use it for school logins or lunch.

How did you hear about Breakthough?

Counselor/TeacherClassroom PresentationFriendSiblingCommunity OrgOther

If other:

Wait! Save your Progress...

Now that you've completed some basic information, practice saving your application so that you can come back to it later. Don't worry, you can keep working on it right away, but we want you to see how it works so you can save a few times as you make progress!

Student Essay Question

Students, please complete this yourself. Write an essay about ONE of the topics below. Your essay should have at least 200-250 words OR 3 paragraphs and should be your best writing.

A. Write about one accomplishment you are most proud of. Why was this accomplishment important to you? What other accomplishments do you hope to achieve in the future?

OR

B. Describe your dream job and what steps you would take in order to reach it.

Which question will you be writing about?

Write about one accomplishment you are most proud of. Why was this accomplishment important to you? What other accomplishments do you hope to achieve in the future?Describe your dream job and what steps you would take in order to reach it.

Student Essay Response

Express Yourself! (optional)

If you would like to attach another item to show or tell us more about you, we would love to see your short story, poem, rap, drawing or other piece of creative work that showcases your talents.

STUDENT STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING

I understand that Breakthrough Twin Cities is a six-year commitment. During the summers before 7th, 8th, and 9th grade, I will participate fully for six weeks from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (longer on one Saturday for Celebration). I also understand that Breakthrough Twin Cities requires that I do one and a half hours of homework each weeknight during the summer, enroll in honors courses during the school-year, attend half-day Saturday Sessions during the school year, and other individual support if my grades drop below a B-. During high school, I will participate in the College Bound program and work hard to get into a four-year college.

I understand the expectations for Breakthrough

Another great time to save!

Phew! That was a lot of writing! Now would be another great time to save to be sure you don't lose any of the writing you just completed! Here's a reminder of how to save:

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Please complete to the best of your ability. To learn more about

the information we ask for on this page, please read the information below the application checklist. Please know that if you decline to state any information, we may not be able to determine criteria we use to review student applications, and this may result in your student not being accepted into the program.

PARENT #1 INFORMATION

First Name

Middle Name

Last Name

Relationship to Student

Address Same as Student?

YesNo

Please enter your address since you noted that it is different than the student:

Mailing Street

City

State

Zip Code

Preferred Phone

Home Phone

Mobile Phone

Work Phone

Email Address

Occupation

Employer

Race/Ethnicity

Ethnicity Detail:

Education Completed

I would like to enter information for a 2nd Parent/Guardian

PARENT #2 INFORMATION

First Name

Middle Name

Last Name

Relationship to Student

Address Same as Student?

YesNo

If available, please enter the address since it is different than the student:

Mailing Street

City

State

Zip Code

Preferred Phone:

Home Phone

Mobile Phone

Work Phone

Email Address:

Occupation

Employer

Race/Ethnicity

Ethnic Detail

Education Completed

FAMILY INFORMATION

Does either parent have a 4-year degree from a college in the United States?

Parent Marital Status

With whom does child primarily reside?

If "Other" for who child resides with, please provide details:

Family Income Range

Annual Family Income Amount

Home/Primary Language

Other Language Spoken at Home:

# of Children Supported in the Home:

Is your child eligible for free or reduced price lunch?

Is your child the sibling of current or former Breakthrough Twin Cities student?

YesNo

If yes, what is the sibling's name?

Does your child have an IEP or 504 plan?

YesNo

Do you grant Breakthrough Twin Cities access to view the IEP/504 plan?

YesNo

Type your name to acknowledge you are granting access to Breakthrough Twin Cities to see your child's IEP/504 plan:

Why do we ask the above information?
We have found that best practice for Breakthrough Twin Cities staff and teaching fellows who work with your student throughout the summer and school year program is to be aligned with the techniques and strategies that work best in your student's normal school setting. Each student is different, and we have found it helpful to know what works best for your student.

Saving Instructions

Hi Parents/Guardians! Your student learned how to save their application earlier in this process, but now that you've completed some important info we want to be sure you know how to do so as well just in case you need to step away from the application and come back later (but don't worry, you can keep working on it right now even after you save!). We recommend that you use the same email and password to save that your student used earlier, if possible. Here's how to save:

Parent/Guardian Short Answer Questions

How will you support and empower your student to successfully complete the Breakthrough Twin Cities "Path to College" as illustrated in the picture above?

Characteristics of a Breakthrough Twin Cities Student

Be Breakthrough: Demonstrates motivation to learn, work hard, and find their own, unique path to college
Strive to Understand: Appreciates differences in others and seeks to learn more about others’ points of view.
Relish Hard Work Together: Tries to work well with teachers, school counselors and family members. We’re here as a team, so parent(s) and guardian(s) also have to be committed to student’s success in the program
Be Grateful: Shows respect towards peers and adults and works to make Breakthrough a great place for everyone
Be Curious: Demonstrates excitement about learning and eagerness to explore their passions and interests
Live the Growth Mindset: Willing to accept feedback
Persist: Knows that getting to college takes a lot of work and is fully committed to the 6-year Program

The student profile above describes a successful Breakthrough Twin Cities student. How does your child exemplify the traits above?

Why would you like your child to be a Breakthrough Twin Cities student? What do you hope they will gain from the experience?

Detailed Program Expectations

Students & Parents/Guardians: Please review Breakthrough Twin Cities' expectations carefully. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please visit our website at www.breakthroughtwincities.org or contact the Program Manager for your location:

Saint Paul: Simon Lee, 651-967-4165 or slee@breakthroughtwincities.org

Eastern Carver County: Emma Silkey, 507-323-3044 or esilkey@breakthroughtwincities.org

Breakthrough Twin Cities will provide academic support throughout each student's program experience so that they can be best prepared for college and beyond. Students and parents recognize that participating in Breakthrough Twin Cities is a six-year commitment with the goal of four-year college acceptance. The Breakthrough Twin Cities program expectations are outlined below.

Middle School - Summer Program (Saint Paul)

During the summer before seventh grade, eighth grade, and ninth grade, students attend the six-week Breakthrough summer program from Monday - Friday. During this time, it is expected that students complete one and a half hours of homework per evening.

Tentative Summer Program Dates 2023

June 27: Back to Breakthrough Night

June 28: First Day of Summer Program

July 4: No Classes

July 21: Family Conferences (Evening)

August 4: Last Day of Classes

August 5: Celebration (all day for students, evening for families)

Middle School - Summer Program (Eastern Carver County)

June 26: Back to Breakthrough Night

June 28: First Day of Summer Program

July 4: No Classes

TBD: Family Conferences (Evening)

August 4: Last Day of Classes

August 5: Celebration (all day for students, evening for families)

Middle School - Summer Program

Do you see any possible conflicts with summer program attendance or with your child completing homework?

NoYesNot Sure

If you answered "Yes" or "Not Sure" above, please explain:

Middle School - School Year Program

Students will engage with Breakthrough staff once a month during their seventh and eighth grade school years. Engagement includes either a hosted Breakthrough workshop or phone calls made by staff. It is expected that students attend any workshops prevalent to their growth as Breakthrough students. Students are also expected to enroll in at least one honors/advanced, pre-AP, or pre-IB courses during their seventh and eighth grade years. Students must also maintain a B-or better grade in each subject; dropping below a B- will result in mandatory individual support. Students are also expected to participate in at least one extra-curricular activity each year, aside from Breakthrough. School year program dates are still to be determined.

Do you see any possible conflicts with school year program attendance or expectations?

NoYesNot Sure

If you answered "Yes" or "Not Sure" above, please explain:

High School - College Bound Program

Students will engage with Breakthrough staff once a month through their ninth and twelfth grade school years. Breakthrough will provide individual college counseling to support students in their college search and the application process. High school students are expected to attend workshops prevalent to their growth as Breakthrough students. Students in high school are expected to enroll in at least one honors/advanced, AP, or IB courses, when available. Students must also maintain a B-or better grade in each core subject; dropping below a B- will result in mandatory individual support. Students are expected to participate in at least one extra-curricular activity each year, aside from Breakthrough, create a detailed summer plan, and apply to at least one scholarship.

Do you see any possible conflicts with high school program (college bound) expectations?

NoYesNot Sure

If you answered "Yes" or "Not Sure" above, please explain:

Family Involvement (Saint Paul)

Breakthrough Twin Cities is able to achieve its results because everyone involved sets and meets high expectations. Families play an important role in the program and help each student be successful. This includes supporting your student in their academic endeavors, in addition to participating in Breakthrough events throughout the year.

Family Involvement Dates 2023

March – May: Accepted Student and Family Meeting

June 27: Back to Breakthrough Night

July 21: Family Conferences (Evening)

August 5: Celebration

Family Involvement (Eastern Carver County)

March – May: Accepted Student and Family Meeting

June 26: Back to Breakthrough Night

TBD: Family Conferences (Evening)

August 5: Celebration

Family Involvement

Do you see any possible conflicts with the family involvement dates/commitments?

NoYesNot Sure

If you answered "Yes" or "Not Sure" above, please explain:

TRANSPORTATION for Saint Paul Sites

Partnering with Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) Breakthrough Twin Cities provides transportation to and from the program at Mounds Park Academy and Central High School during both the summer and school year to those students who live within the Saint Paul Public School Boundaries. If you do not live within those districts or if your child leaves these boundaries after being enrolled in Breakthrough Twin Cities, you will be responsible for transportation to and from the program.

Show me a map of Saint Paul Public School boundaries

SPPS Map

Note: If you are not sure if you live within SPPS bounds, please contact Breakthrough at learn@breakthroughtwincities.org with your address and we can determine that.

Do you live in within the Saint Paul Public School district boundaries?

YesNo

If No, please explain how your child will get to and from the program:

TRANSPORTATION for Eastern Carver County

Partnering with Eastern Carver County (ECC), Breakthrough Twin Cities provides transportation to and from the program during both the summer and school year to those students who live within the ECC district bounds. If you do not live within the ECC district or if your child leaves these boundaries after being enrolled in Breakthrough Twin Cities, you will be responsible for transportation to and from the program.

Show me a map of Eastern Carver County Public Schools bounds

ECC Map

Note: If you are not sure if you live within ECC bounds, please contact Breakthrough at learn@breakthroughtwincities.org with your address and we can determine that.

Do you live in within the Eastern Carver County district bounds?

YesNo

If No, please explain how your child will get to and from the program:

PARENT STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING

I/We understand that Breakthrough Twin Cities requires the entire family to make a six-year commitment. My child must attend the middle school summer and school year program for two years, followed by participation in the high school program. I/We give permission for my/our sixth grader to apply and we will make sure they are an active participant throughout the program.

Please type your full name to confirm agreement:

Teacher Recommendations

As part of your application to Breakthrough Twin Cities, you will need TWO recommendation forms from teachers, mentors, coaches, or other adults who are NOT a family member, and who can tell us a variety of things about you.

When you submit this application the Recommenders will automatically receive an email requesting that they complete the recommendation for you. However, you can feel free to check in with them in a few days to be sure they got it and are able to submit it in a timely manner!

Recommender #1

Recommender 1 Name:

Recommender 1 Relationship to Student:

Recommender 1 Email Address:

Recommender #2

Recommender 2 Name:

Recommender 2 Relationship to Student:

Recommender 2 Email Address:

How would you like to receive reminders & notifications from Breakthrough Twin Cities? Mark all that apply:

EmailTextPhysical Mailing

You are almost ready to submit an application to Breakthrough Twin Cities! After you hit "Submit" below you will be directed to "Hello Sign" to complete the Student Information Release Form. Once that form is submitted your application will be complete. If a parent is not available to complete it right away, don't worry an email will also be sent to the Primary Parent/Guardian's email address to request a signature.

Alright, you're ready... go ahead and hit SUBMIT below!

You are almost ready to submit an application to Breakthrough Twin Cities! After you hit "Submit" below you will be directed back to the Breakthrough Twin Cities website. If you get an error that you're missing required fields, just click on the red numbered boxes at the top of the screen to see where you missed some information. Once that's fixed you'll be able try submitting again. An email confirmation will be sent to the Parent/Guardian #1 Email Address confirming successful submission.

Alright, you're ready... go ahead and hit SUBMIT below!

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