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.