Dear Reader,
With ongoing political uncertainty, economic instability, and deep divisions in our society, the path forward can feel uncertain—especially for students navigating a world that seems increasingly stacked against them.
But education, mentorship, and opportunity remain powerful forces for change. By investing in students today, we are building a future of resilience, leadership, and impact.
While it’s easy to feel powerless in the face of so many external challenges, the truth is, each of us has the ability to make a difference—one student, one opportunity, one act of generosity at a time. Will you join us by contributing to our mission and changing the life of one student today?
Celebrating Our High School Seniors
We are so proud of our Barrier Breakers®, Inc. students for their incredible college acceptances so far! Their hard work, resilience, and determination are paying off, and we are honored to have been part of their journey. This is only the beginning, as more acceptances are on the way this year!
👏🏾 Congratulations to our students on their acceptances to:
Cornell University, Northeastern University, University of Maryland College Park, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University of Wisconsin–Madison, University of Florida, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Rutgers University, Drexel University, Louisiana State University, Xavier University of Louisiana, Rochester Institute of Technology, Fisk University, Hampton University, North Carolina A&T State University, Towson University, Suffolk University, Saint Mary's College of Maryland, George Mason University, Spelman College, University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, Stony Brook University, Fordham University, Pace University, Drew University, University of Maryland Baltimore County, St. Joseph's University, The New School (Parsons School of Design), and Howard University.
🌍 International Acceptances:
University of Manchester, University of St Andrews (Scotland), SOAS University of London
Expanding College Access Work in Philadelphia and Trenton
Last year, we launched a partnership with HomeWorks Trenton, providing free, high-touch college admissions support to low-income, at-risk girls in Trenton, NJ. This year, we're excited to expand our pro bono partnerships to Urban Promise in Trenton, NJ and to students at Lincoln High School in Philadelphia, PA. The School District of Philadelphia is designated as a "free lunch" District based on the majority of students living in high poverty census tracts.
Our pro bono programs allow us to bring 1-on-1, high-touch, and long-term college counseling and mentorship programs to students throughout their high school career and continue to provide free mentorship and support to students every semester of college.
The expansion of this work would not be possible without generous donors and supporters who believe that now, more than ever, all students need access to quality higher education options and ongoing support from invested adults in their lives.
Barrier Breakers® Receives the Spotlight Award from the Association of American Law Schools
Last month, Sydney traveled to San Francisco to accept the Section on Pre-Law and Admission to Law School’s Spotlight Award as part of the Association of American Law School's Annual Meeting.
As the Section’s highest honor, the purpose of this award is to recognize an individual who demonstrates a sustained history of: performing beyond their job responsibilities; seeking opportunities to support the development of the legal education profession; and working to create structural and systemic change in an effort to increase access to legal education and diversify the legal profession.
Sydney was beyond honored to receive this award for the work that we're doing at Barrier Breakers®, Inc. Since 2020, we have supported 7,000+ students in the college and law school process. We work with students of all backgrounds and income levels but are dedicated to creating a unique, safe space in admissions for underserved students.
We could not do this without the current and former law school deans and directors who back us as members of our Board of Directors and advisors on our staff: Yolanda Ingram, Tracy Simmons, Dr. Nadia Castriota, Glenn E. Bell, M. Ed., Patricia Kinney, Arturo Hodgson, M.S., Gabriela Amador, Shani Butts and special thanks to Valerie D. James, JD, Esq. for her continuing and unwavering support.
We were also especially proud of our staff and board members, Patricia, Shani, and Tracy for presenting timely panels on equity and diversity in the legal profession and ways to support diverse students in their academic careers.
Calling All Career Counselors!
As part of our Outreach and Wellness Program, we provide free career services for our first-generation college students and recent graduates. We ensure that we help them through the application process and continue supporting their success after graduation. We help them land their first jobs, internships, and career opportunities!
We are currently looking for volunteer career counselors to support our first-generation students with internships, early career guidance, and post-grad placement.
🌟 Time Commitment: As little as 1-3 hours per week
🌟 One-on-One or Broad Mentorship: You can choose to be paired with one student or do broad research for multiple students
🌟 Fully Virtual: Support students through email, Zoom, or recorded feedback
How You Can Help:
✔ Resume & cover letter feedback (via email or a quick call)
✔ Job & internship search advice
✔ Mock interviews & career coaching
✔ Industry insights & networking tips
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.
