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Student Application 2025

Application Deadline:  
Deadline extended until all slots are filled. 

Thank you for your interest in Breakthrough!  Students and parents should carefully read all of the information below. 

Breakthrough Minneapolis student scholars are a dynamic group of motivated students selected from across Minneapolis who are supported through a tuition-free, 3+ year academic enrichment program that includes a six-week Summer Institute and Saturday sessions during the school year.


Students must meet ALL of the following:

  • Academically motivated - you love to learn
  • Live in Minneapolis
  • Enrolled in 6th or 7th grade this year
  • Can attend the full six week summer program (2025 dates are June 23 - August 1) and monthly school year Saturdays

Why Become A Breakthrough Scholar?

  • Academically get a head-start on the next school year
  • Join a group of kids as motivated as you are
  • Come to a place where it’s cool to be smart
  • Meet high school and college age role models
  • Reach for your wildest dreams
  • Be an inspiration to your community
  • Breakthrough scholars attend and graduate college at higher rates than their peers
 
We, at Breakthrough Minneapolis, are committed to supporting all of our student scholars to reach their full potential. We are looking for students and families who are looking for the same. We don’t require certain academic grades - we require commitment and motivation.

Breakthrough accepts students of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Selection Timeline for Summer 2025

Applications Reviewed by Breakthrough Staff: 

Early Action:  February 10 - 21, 2025

Decision Letters sent out February 28, 2025


All other applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all slots are filled.



REQUIRED Enrollment Event: May 10, 2025 from 9:30AM-12:30PM


Summer program dates: 06/23/25 - 08/01/2025


Breakthrough Site Information:
Breakthrough Minneapolis at Blake
511 Kenwood Parkway, #327
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Contact: Quashingm Smith-Pugh, Student Services Director
qsmithpugh@blakeschool.org/ (952) 988-3755

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Miami
Student Section: We are interested in getting to know each student who applies to Breakthrough so this section should ONLY BE COMPLETED BY THE STUDENT.  If you have any questions as you complete this portion of the application, please reach out to an adult.
Student Contact Information
Student Language(s)
Student Section: We are interested in getting to know each student who applies to Breakthrough so this section should ONLY BE COMPLETED BY THE STUDENT.  If you have any questions as you complete this portion of the application, please reach out to an adult.
Teacher or Other Recommenders
Breakthrough requires two recommendations as part of the application process.  Please list the teachers who will provide your recommendations.  Your parent / guardian will be asked to provide their email addresses in the parent section of the application.
Please provide the teacher's full name.
Please provide the teacher's full name.
Breakthrough History

If more than one, choose the option that was most influential in applying for Breakthrough
Names of family members, teachers, etc.
School Information
ID number issued to you by the school or district.
Affiliate Instruction
For all short answer and essay questions you need to populate the question(s) below AND in the Connector in order for the record in Salesforce to show the question they are answering. These instructions are for your use and will be hidden from applicants.
Short Answer Questions:  Please answer all of the questions below using at least 2 sentences.  We want to see your best work!  You may copy/paste from a Word document if you like.

1.  What are your favorite things to do outside of school (hobbies, special interests, etc.)? Why do you enjoy them?

Your answer is required in order to submit.
2.  If you had the opportunity to learn about something new, what would it be, and why?

Your answer is required in order to submit.
3. What does being a leader mean to you? Describe a time when you were a leader.

Your answer is required in order to submit.
Essay:  Please answer the questions below using 250 words or less.  We want to see your best work!  You may copy/paste from a Word document if you like.
You may also answer these questions in a video. If you'd prefer the video option, just write "video" in the sections below and email your videos (with your full name) to btmpls@blakeschool.org.

1. At Breakthrough, we understand students are faced with important decisions every day. Please write about one difficult decision you have had to make. Why did you make that decision?What were the consequences of your decision? How did this decision affect your life? Would you make this decision again?

Your answer is required in order to submit.
2. If you could fast-forward into the future and see yourself, where do you think you will be in the next 10-15 years? What kinds of things will you be doing? What type of job will you have? How will you achieve these goals? Where will you be living? Describe in detail what your life will belike in the future

Your answer is required in order to submit.

Family Section: This section of the application should ONLY BE COMPLETED BY A PARENT / GUARDIAN.

Breakthrough Minneapolis is a unique opportunity for your child to access up to 6 years of support dedicated to making sure they are ready and able to access challenging high school and college academics. We believe that partnering with you to better serve your child can only make our program stronger.
Parent / Guardian Information

Employment History

Education History

A first-generation student means BOTH parents did not complete a 4-year college or university degree (or higher). If a degree was obtained from a country other than the United States, a student qualifies as a first-generation student.

Home Language(s)

Relationship Details

Ex: Name, relationship, contact information, etc.
Parent / Guardian #2 Contact Information

Relationship Details

Employment History

Education History

Home Language

Family Section: This section of the application should ONLY BE COMPLETED BY A PARENT / GUARDIAN.  Breakthrough will review all information carefully, confidentially, and holistically.

Breakthrough History

Select all that apply.
Names of family members, teachers, etc.

Family Section: This section of the application should ONLY BE COMPLETED BY A PARENT / GUARDIAN.  Breakthrough will review all information carefully, confidentially, and holistically. 


Student Background
If you are unsure if your student qualifies, visit this website to calculate free or reduced price lunch status: https://reports.educateiowa.gov/ICAVES/Home/Calculator (copy and paste into a new browser).

Hold down the Ctrl button to choose more than one.
Can be specific ethnicity (Hmong, Chinese, Nigerian), religious affiliation (Muslim, Jewish, Jain), or any other community your student identifies with.
Examples: Sports, Avid, Boys and Girls Club, Religious Activities, etc.


If applicable (i.e. speech therapy, extra tutoring, medication, any accomodations, IEP, 504 Accomodation plans, RSP, etc.)

Family Section: This section of the application should ONLY BE COMPLETED BY A PARENT / GUARDIAN.  Breakthrough will review all information carefully, confidentially, and holistically.

Affiliate Instruction
For all short answer and/or essay questions you need to populate the question(s) below AND in the Connector in order for the record in Salesforce to show the question they are answering. These instructions are for your use and will be hidden from applicants.
Short Answer Questions: Help us get to know your student by responding to the questions below.  You may copy/paste from a Word document if you like.

1.  What goals do you have for your student? How do you see Breakthrough fitting into your student's future?


Your answer is required in order to submit.

2.  What do you love about your student? What would you like us to know about them?


Your answer is required in order to submit.


3.  The success of students at Breakthrough, and of our program as a whole, depends on the continual support of family members. How will you support your student and contribute to the Breakthrough community?


Your answer is required in order to submit.
Student School Information
Recommendation Information: Breakthrough requires two recommendations as part of the application process. Your student has already provided names, please provide the email address and we will contact these recommenders directly via email. 
Recommender 1
If this name is incorrect or mispelled, please correct under the student section on page 3 of this form.
Recommender 2
If this name is incorrect or mispelled, please correct under the student section on page 3 of this form.
Breakthrough Expectations
By checking the box below, I acknowledge that our family understands the commitment required for this program, including:
  • We commit to ensuring our scholar attends all required program dates including six (6) weeks each summer for three (3) years (through 9th grade).
  •  Student will also attend monthly Saturday sessions during the school year unless the the student is enrolled in other extra-curricular activities aligned to the students academic progress.
  • We commit to maintaining regular communication with Breakthrough staff.
  • We understand that attendance is REQUIRED unless family emergency or illness; NOT vacation.

Your answer is required in order to submit.
It may take up to 1 minute for the application to process before you see the confirmation screen. Please do not hit submit a second time. Thank you for your patience! 
This must have a "Default Value" populated with the Application Record Type ID for each affiliate as part of launch. This is found in Setup>Object Manager>Application>Record Types>Application>then get the ID from URL. Connector won't work until this is done.

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