A BluePrint for Success: Case Studies of Successful - Educational ...

A Blueprint for Success
er than English; single-parent household; self-identification as a member of a racial/ethnic group underrepresented
in college; attend a school designated as Title 1 under NCLB; and a notable relationship
stress (e.g. deployed parent).
The program is not designed to remediate low proficiency, but to assist students who need additional
support to get from proficient to excellent. Based on the need factors, the 200 applications are typically
reduced to 100 students who are interviewed along with their families. The committee then
selects 60 a year based on the student essays and teacher recommendations. Almost all BSP students
remain in SPPS schools through junior high and high school, but, for those students that move outside
the district, Breakthrough continues to serve them if they can provide transportation and meet
ongoing expectations. BSP expects a major commitment from families, as well as students. Parents
and guardians must agree to participate in several events annually and to ensure their children attend
all activities.
Program Components
Middle School
The program for students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade includes a 6-week summer program, monthly
Saturday events throughout the school year, opportunities for college visits, and required tutoring for
any courses with less than a B- average. The summer program is a six-week long, non-residential
program from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with an additional two hours of
homework nightly. The monthly Saturday events include enrichment workshops, field trips, and
college visits. The student/family liaison visits the schools at least monthly and meets with the students
at the 15-20 middle schools.
High School
Starting in the 9th grade, all BSP students get a laptop and Comcast provides internet service. This
permits much of the high school program to be conducted online. BSP high school students have
weekly assignments based on recognized best practices in college enrichment, which differ by grade.
For example, in the 9th grade, much of the focus is on developing the organizational and research
skills needed to succeed in high school. In the 11th grade, students focus on ACT-SAT preparation.
Instead of in-person meetings, BSP high school students Skype every two weeks with an aspiring
teacher. The monthly Saturday opportunities continue in person, with half-day programming that
varies by grade level to work with students and build community. Likewise, the tutoring continues
for any high school student receiving a grade below a B- in any course. Starting in May in 11th
grade, BSP students meet one-on-one with a professional college counselor and one-on-one with an
essay coach. BSP high school seniors meet in person very two weeks with a college counselor who
assists them in narrowing down their college choices, determining a visit schedule, and preparing for
college interviews.
Educational Policy Institute 12 www.educationalpolicy.org