Apply now for Breakthrough Manchester 2025 Summer Scholars, Teaching Fellows
Since 1991, Breakthrough Manchester, hosted at The Derryfield School and Southern New Hampshire University, has been serving students from the Manchester School District offering a college access program for scholars by providing supplemental learning opportunities for middle school, high school, an
MANCHESTER, NH – Breakthrough Manchester is excited to accept a new cohort of students—or as we call them, “scholars”—and to welcome another cohort of Teaching Fellows as our 34th summer approaches! Since 1991, Breakthrough Manchester, hosted at The Derryfield School and Southern New Hampshire University, has been serving students from the Manchester School District offering a college access program for scholars by providing supplemental learning opportunities for middle school, high school, and college students. We aim to inspire and mentor each of our scholars on their academic journeys, supporting high school success, college planning, and school-year programming.
Our fun-filled and academically rigorous summer program equips scholars with study skills, leadership development, and a strong network as they progress through middle school, high school, and college. Each summer offers many firsts for our students with visits to at least two colleges in New Hampshire and Boston, as well as field trips to museums, mountains, and the Isle of Shoals! During the school year, scholars from all the Manchester middle schools check in monthly and participate in enriching lessons that provide academic support and community connection.
For our college-aged Teaching Fellows, Breakthrough Manchester offers an opportunity to explore education and social justice in a real and meaningful way. Each Teaching Fellow is responsible for leading a class throughout the summer program, following lesson plans, and assessing work completed by each scholar. The relationship between scholars and Teaching Fellows exemplifies our “students-teaching-students dual-mission” model, which supports scholars from traditionally marginalized communities while simultaneously inspiring the next generation of educators and leaders.
Breakthrough has seen success through its impact in putting students on the path to post-graduation success, while also equipping future educators and community leaders with real classroom experience and a network of Teaching Fellow alumni. Our Breakthrough community has grown to include incredible alumni in various career fields, living and working around the world, all connected through our shared experience as either a scholar or Teaching Fellow (or both!).
Breakthrough Manchester is proud to be one of 25 affiliates nationwide providing this type of programming. We are committed to bridging the gap between college and post-graduation success for students who may face adversity and systemic barriers. Although Breakthrough Manchester specifically serves the Manchester student population, the opportunity to serve as a Teaching Fellow is available nationwide!
The application to become a scholar is now open. Application Deadline: Feb. 20, 2025
Scholars apply in 6th grade and commit to three summers with Breakthrough Manchester. Although this may seem like a significant undertaking, especially for a middle school student, our organization offers more than just a life-changing experience during the summer; it provides a home within the Breakthrough Family. Our Executive Director, Deb McLoud, and other staff members are visiting middle schools in Manchester, encouraging students to apply and join our program! If you know any 6th grader in the Manchester area who may be interested in applying for Breakthrough Manchester, visit our website and explore how to become a Breakthrough Scholar under the “student” tab. Not only do we pride ourselves on the academic enrichment we provide each student, but also on the fun memories created during field trips, college tours, and community activities—all packed into every week of the program!
If you’d like to learn more about the program and its impact, explore our website, watch our summer video, or reach out via social media or email. Breakthrough Manchester is dedicated to serving the students of Manchester and is excited to welcome new scholars for another incredible summer!
The application to become a Teaching Fellow is now open!
Upper level high school and college students interested in exploring or learning about careers in education, social justice, youth, and adolescent development, are encouraged to explore the Teaching Fellow opportunity at Breakthrough Manchester! We accept 24 Teaching Fellows every summer, who teach and serve our community of nearly 100 scholars! This transformative experience offers professional development, networking, and skill-building that are transferable to any career or job, plus the memories made with your peers and students are priceless. Apply now to join the Breakthrough Manchester community and experience the opportunity of a lifetime!
Please consider visiting Breakthrough this summer to see our program in action! Check our website this spring for visitor day dates. We love sharing the power of Breakthrough with the greater Manchester community!
