Dear Reader,
This September, you can double your impact for first-generation students. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, all contributions up to $2,000 will be matched dollar for dollar throughout the month in honor of Back-to-School season.
Your support fuels not only national programming but also our growing local Impact Hubs that are transforming student outcomes.
New Partnership: Cristo Rey Miami
This fall, we are proud to announce a new partnership with Cristo Rey Miami, where we’ll provide first-generation high school students with long-term college counseling and mentorship. We are thrilled to be able to support half the junior class with personalized 1:1 advising and guidance for the next 6 years of their life. This collaboration ensures students in South Florida gain the guidance and access they need to thrive in higher education.
Deepening Roots: Trenton, NJ
In Trenton, our Impact Hub is expanding through strengthened partnerships with UrbanPromise Trenton and HomeWorks Trenton. We’re proud to share that every single senior we have worked with at HomeWorks Trenton has already been accepted to at least one college this year—a milestone that reflects our shared commitment to access and success. This continues our 100% college acceptance rate for Barrier Breakers® students. Beyond admissions, we are also helping students secure opportunities through competitive fly-in programs and scholarships, ensuring they step into higher education with confidence and support.
Summer Spotlight: Break Into Law Conference
In June, we hosted our fourth annual Break Into Law Conference, drawing over 2,300 registrants—our largest ever and a testament to its growing influence. With 91% of registrants identifying as first-generation lawyers, the three-day event offered panels, workshops, and networking designed to demystify legal pathways and connect aspiring professionals with attorneys, law students, and educators. Voices from across criminal, civil, corporate, public interest, and other branches of law gave participants both insight and inspiration. The success of this year’s conference underscores the demand for inclusive legal education and the impact Barrier Breakers® continues to make in bridging the gap between ambition and access.
But don’t take our word for it—hear directly from attendees in the testimonials below.
Break into College 2026!
We’re already hard at work on our next big venture—and we want YOU to be the first to know! 🚀
Barrier Breakers® is proud to announce a groundbreaking expansion in 2026: we’re reimagining the college conference experience to serve high school students, families, and educators navigating the admissions journey.
This free event—expected to welcome 3,000+ attendees—will be a hub for guidance, connection, and empowerment. With workshops, expert panels, and curated resources covering everything from SAT prep to financial aid, engineering pathways to application essays, the conference will equip participants with the tools and knowledge to access higher education with confidence. Alongside the event, Barrier Breakers will roll out a suite of support services designed to make the journey to college clearer and more accessible for all.
🌟 Sponsorship Opportunities
We’re inviting corporations and companies of all kinds to be part of this transformative effort:
- Education-focused organizations can showcase their services directly to students and families.
- Companies wishing to give in-kind donations (like dorm essentials or school supplies) can ensure students feel supported as they prepare for campus life.
- Philanthropic partners can make a powerful impact by helping us keep the event free and accessible for every student.
This is your chance to stand alongside us in creating equitable pathways to higher education—and to help us make college dreams possible for thousands of first-generation students.
Stay tuned: college access is about to get a major boost.
Your Support Makes This Possible
As the school year begins, you can make sure more students have access to the guidance, mentorship, and opportunities they deserve. And this month, your gift goes twice as far. 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.