Dear Reader,
At Barrier Breakers, we’re dedicated to empowering first-generation students. For us, a first-generation student includes any student whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree traditionally in the United States. This group includes students whose parents went to college in another country, completed their degree online, and/or completed their degree later in life as a returning adult student.
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.
Celebrating Student Successes
This year, we’ve seen tremendous success from our students in the application process, including several full-ride scholarships to top universities. These scholarships are truly game-changing for first-generation students, alleviating the financial burden and enabling them to focus fully on their education and future.
Today, we want to highlight Eyasu's Story:
Eyasu is an Eritrean-American student who started working with Barrier Breakers right before his senior year of high school. He's a great older brother, a member of his high school's basketball team, and a student dedicated to his culture and his faith. This year, we were able to help him receive the Morrill Scholarship Program Prominence Scholarship at the Ohio State University. The Morrill Scholarship is Ohio State’s premier merit scholarship program rewarding academically talented students who are actively engaged in diversity-based leadership, service, and social justice activities. The Prominence Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition for out-of-state students. Eyasu has also received additional grants to cover the full cost of attendance. We are so proud of Eyasu!
Exciting New Partnership with the School District of Philadelphia
We’re thrilled to announce a powerful new subcontractor partnership with the School District of Philadelphia aimed at expanding college access for first-generation students. Through this initiative, we will provide comprehensive, personalized college counseling to up to 40 students this year, helping them navigate every step of the college application process—from building their school lists and crafting compelling essays to securing financial aid and making their final decisions.
Philadelphia’s public school system is one of the largest in the nation, serving a diverse student population that includes many first-generation and low-income students. We’re honored to work directly with these students to break down barriers, simplify the college application process, and ensure they have the resources, mentorship, and guidance necessary to pursue higher education. As part of our Outreach and Wellness Program, we will provide continued support and check-ins to these students for four years during college.
This partnership is particularly meaningful as it allows us to reach students who may not otherwise have access to robust college counseling services. It’s a critical step forward in advancing our mission of educational equity.
With your continued support, we’re committed to making sure these students not only apply to college but thrive once they get there.
Become a Founding Sponsor: Create a Legacy of Opportunity
Your generosity can be life-changing for first-generation students. It costs Barrier Breakers® $2,000 per student to provide two years of comprehensive college counseling—from high school to college acceptance. For many of these students, a college education is not just a dream but a path to break generational cycles of poverty and create new opportunities for themselves and their families.
Now, we’re inviting you to become a Founding Sponsor of our new partnership with the School District of Philadelphia. As a Founding Sponsor, your support will help provide critical guidance to up to 40 first-generation students this year, ensuring they have the resources and mentorship necessary to achieve their dreams.
As a Founding Sponsor, you will receive:
- Exclusive Recognition on our website and newsletters.
- Periodic Impact Reports detailing the progress of the students you helped support.
- Priority Invitations to special events, including meet-ups with Barrier Breakers leadership at local events.
Here's how you can make an immediate impact:
✅ Fully support one student’s journey with a recurring gift of $150/month (or a one-time gift of $2,000).
✅ Make a one-time gift of any amount to ensure more first-generation students receive the guidance they need to succeed.
Every gift counts. Your support provides critical resources, mentorship, and encouragement to first-generation students who have the drive to succeed but lack access to guidance and support. Together, we’re leveling the playing field and creating life-changing opportunities.
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.
See the Impact of Support:
Hear From Our Students
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.