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Barrier Breakers, Inc.

Change one life. Sponsor one student.

Published about 2 months ago • 2 min read

Dear Reader,

At Barrier Breakers, May is a season of both impact and invitation.

This month, we’re celebrating student milestones—from financial aid workshops to full-ride scholarships. And we’re also inviting you to help us reach the next 40 students who are still waiting for support.

Your support can be life-changing for these resilient and ambitious students. Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished together and where we’re headed next.

Sponsor a First-Generation Student

in the School District of Philadelphia

We’re thrilled to deepen our impact in Philadelphia by partnering with Lincoln High School, a Title I school serving predominantly first-generation, low-income students. Through this partnership, we’ll provide 40 students with access to our full College Scholars Program—starting in 10th grade and continuing all the way through college graduation.

Each sponsorship unlocks:

  • Biweekly 1:1 college counseling
  • College list development and SAT/ACT prep
  • Full essay and application support for 10+ schools
  • Transition-to-college prep
  • 4 years of mentorship while in college

This is more than just admissions help—it's a long-term commitment to student success. $2,400 or $200/month allows us to make this opportunity real for a deserving student.

Will you join us in changing the future of students in Philadelphia this year?

Financial Aid Workshops at HomeWorks Trenton

In March and April, we partnered with a representative from New Jersey HESAA (Higher Education Student Assistance Authority) to lead a hands-on Financial Aid Workshop for students and families at HomeWorks Trenton—a residential leadership program for high school girls from under-resourced communities and followed up with 1:1 advising sessions with HomeWorks families.

Together, we walked participants through the FAFSA, state aid programs, and scholarship search strategies, ensuring families understood how to make college both possible and affordable. We also provided tools for estimating financial aid packages —empowering students to make confident, informed decisions.

Workshops like this go beyond theory—they’re a direct bridge to college access and long-term success.

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Barrier Breakers Selected by the Gates Foundation: Proximate Social Entrepreneurs Fellowship

In April, our founder Sydney Montgomery was honored to attend the ASU+GSV Summit as part of the Gates Foundation’s Proximate Social Entrepreneurs Fellowship—a group of education leaders advancing equity and access.

Being selected for this cohort is a powerful recognition of the impact Barrier Breakers is making in the lives of first-generation students nationwide. From national exposure to new strategic partnerships, to introductions to foundations, this opportunity expands our reach and strengthens our mission to ensure that students are not just applying to college—but equipped to thrive and graduate.

Join Us: Volunteer Opportunity & Advisory Board Membership!

We’re actively seeking volunteers with career counseling or college counseling experience to support our students. Additionally, we’re looking to grow our Advisory Board to expand strategic partnerships and serve more students.

If you’re interested in volunteering or joining our Advisory Board, please reach out. Your expertise could make a lasting difference.

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See the Impact of Support:

Hear From Our Students

video preview​

Watch this video featuring the powerful stories of students whose lives have been transformed by your support.

Your Support Makes This Possible

Thank you for being an essential part of our journey and for making all of this possible. If you’d like to continue helping us expand our reach and support more students in person, consider a donation to Barrier Breakers today to help fund further expansions. Together, we’re transforming lives and creating opportunities nationwide, one connection at a time.

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113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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Barrier Breakers, Inc.

Increasing access to higher education for first-generation and marginalized students

Barrier Breakers®, Inc. has supported 7,000+ students on the college and law school application journey. In addition to sliding scale services based on income, we partner with non-profit organizations and institutions to provide service pro bono services to high-need students. Learn more about our work and how you can continue to support access to higher education for everyone!

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