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by Content Team | Jul 25, 2025 |

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Recent Posts

Opportunity Unlocked- Mock Interview Day 2026
Young Coders Initiative and Breakthrough Miami
The Power of First Gen Dreams
Race to Breakthrough 2025- Wrap Up
Race to Breakthrough – Karlee Malloy
Career Day – Summer 2025
Entrepreneurial Outreach by Evan Gitlin
A Story of Remembrance and Rising Together
Growing New Breakthroughs With Belen
Helios Education Foundation Grant
Genesis Inspiration Foundation
Welcome to our Newest Board Members
Garth Reeves 2025
STEPS 5K 2025
Cultivating HISTORIC BREAKTHROUGHS
Historic Breakthroughs – Heavyn
Brunching for Breakthroughs
First Gen Day 2024- Meet Peter Raymond
Jason Jenkins Day of Service
Race to Breakthrough 2024

breakthroughmiami

Miami's Opportunity Generator💡
We work to provide educational opportunities 🍎 #ChangingLives #CreatingLeaders

"Breakalicious" service = Extraordinary impact 💙🔨📚

"Breakalicious" service = Extraordinary impact 💙🔨📚

In honor of #AmeriCorpsWeek, we’re celebrating our Breakthrough Miami Teaching Fellows and @AmeriCorps members who embody what it means to serve with PURPOSE.

As part of their training and development, our Teaching Fellows participate in meaningful service projects across our community, supporting beautification initiatives, assisting in school restoration efforts, and lending their time and energy wherever it’s needed most. These hands-on projects reflect the heart of @AmeriCorps, turning everyday acts of service into lasting, community-wide change.

This AmeriCorps Week, we celebrate our Teaching Fellows for reminding us that through commitment, leadership, and community, simple acts can turn into extraordinary Breakthroughs. 💡

@VolunteerFlorida #ChooseAmeriCorps #AmeriCorpsWorks #reels

Our Student Entrepreneurs are getting ready to mee

Our Student Entrepreneurs are getting ready to meet YOU at this year's Young Entrepreneurs Market at Brunchin' for Breakthroughs! Start preparing your shopping list! Here's a preview of what you can expect: 🛍️

💨 Perfume by TheScentOf.SafinaMarie
🧥Vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories by @VintageMemere
🍧 Dairy free Italian ice from @Caleys_iceys
🧶Crotchet products made by Blessed Creations
...and so many more!

Limited tickets available. Get started using the link in bio. 🔗

@mameymiami @curiocollection @hilton #coralgables #nonprofit

Shoutout to Breakthrough Miami Scholar and 5th-gra

Shoutout to Breakthrough Miami Scholar and 5th-grade student at @materacademy.of.international, JD Alcenor! 🍎

JD is a natural-born leader and a "breakalicious" student. He is self aware, responsible, and a committed friend toward his Scholar peers. Already demonstrating exceptional leadership skills at an early age, JD makes choices with integrity and is always willing to help whenever needed. His vibrant energy lights up any room he walks into and his confidence is contagious!

Outside of our Breakthrough Village, JD's hobbies include playing baseball and singing; His favorite music genre is R&B, and his favorite baseball player is @ronaldacunajr13. ⚾

When he graduates in 2033, JD's goals include pursuing a bachelors degree in criminal justice at @Harvard and creating a law firm with his friends. ⚖️

We are proud of you, JD! 👏

#nonprofit #breakthroughmiami #scholarspotlight @thechildrenstrust @mdcps_d2 @mrhardemon @miami_country_day_school harvard_admissions

It's #AmeriCorpsWeek! - A time to celebrate the "e

It's #AmeriCorpsWeek! - A time to celebrate the "esprit de corps", our collective pride for service, building community, and giving back! 💜🎉

Breakthrough Miami serves nearly 200 AmeriCorps Members each year including 28 Success Coaches who lead 1:1 and small group advising during the school year, and 160 AmeriCorps Teaching Fellows who lead engaging instruction and mentorship during summer programming.

This week, join us as we share & celebrate our @AmeriCorps members serving as Teaching Fellows and Success Coaches whose commitments to service turn everyday acts into EXTRAORDINARY change.

@VolunteerFlorida #ChooseAmeriCorps #AmeriCorpsWorks

Congratulations to our Breakthrough Miami Scholars

Congratulations to our Breakthrough Miami Scholars who were selected to be matched as @Questbridge Scholars! 💡

🎓Bianca Li, Coral Reef Senior High School (@CoralReefHS) – Matched at @Yale University
🎓Geberth Paiva, Miami Palmetto Senior High School (@PalmettoSHS) – Matched at Wesleyan University (@wesleyan_u)
🎓 Prince Smith, Miami Palmetto Senior High School (@PalmettoSHS) - Matched at @CollegeOfTheHolyCross

@Questbridge supports high-achieving students with full four-year scholarships to top colleges and universities across the country, covering tuition, room, board, and more. It is a life-changing opportunity and an incredible "Breakthrough" moment for our Scholars and their families. Questbridge Scholars are chosen for their outstanding academic achievement and their potential to lead change in their communities.

To our Breakthrough Miami Scholars who were selected, your hard work, determination, and belief in what’s possible have led you here. This achievement is an affirmation of your power, impact, and Breakthroughs you can achieve.

Breakthrough Miami QuestBridge Finalists:
Joscelyn Capula - Coral Reef Senior High School (@CoralReefHS)
Camila Rafael - Miami Killian Senior High School (@mksh.cougars)
Ashley Blandon - Young Women’s Preparatory Academy (@ywpa_monarchs)

🚨 The 2026 College Prep Scholars Program application for high school juniors is NOW OPEN! 🚨 The deadline to apply is March 24, 2026. Get started at: questbridge.org 🔗

@holycrossadmission @yaleadmissions #nonprofit #breakthroughmiami #Questbridge

Today we celebrate the women who make Breakthrough

Today we celebrate the women who make Breakthroughs possible 💡💙

On #InternationalWomensDay, we honor the "breakalicious" women in our Village and community who go above and beyond to serve others and open doors of opportunity for the next generation.

From the dedicated educators and mentors guiding our Scholars, to the passionate leaders, partners, family, and supporters who champion our Scholars and our mission, women are at the heart of the work that powers Breakthrough Miami.

We thank the women who lead, mentor, advocate, and believe in what’s possible for young leaders. We salute the countless ways you help turn potential into opportunity and dreams into reality.

Here’s to the women in our Village who remind us that when we lift each other up, Breakthroughs can happen. 💐

#breakthroughmiami #nonprofit #womensday

Looking the part and feeling confident creates Bre

Looking the part and feeling confident creates Breakthroughs 👔💡

Shoutout to @DressForSuccessMiami for their generous clothing donations and meaningful partnership during this year’s Mock Interview Day! Thanks to their support, our Breakthrough U Scholars were able to walk into their mock interviews dressed professionally and ready to present themselves with confidence, pride, and PURPOSE.

Dress for Success Miami’s mission aligns synergistically with our work at Breakthrough Miami. Together, we’re opening doors of opportunity and helping young people step into their power.

A special, "breakalicious" thank you to Ketsia Marcellus, Chief Operating Officer, and Lylliette Noguera, Program Manager, whose leadership and dedication made this partnership possible. Your commitment to uplifting our community ensured our Scholars practiced their interview skills in STYLE.

#nonprofit #interviewprep #breakthroughmiami @univmiami

🚨 Seniors - Don’t miss your opportunity to become

🚨 Seniors - Don’t miss your opportunity to become Breakthrough famous! 🚨 Your deadline to submit your Senior Exit Survey is TONIGHT! 🎓

Completion of your Senior Exit Survey grants you:
🎓 Admission to our 2026 Senior Celebration
📣 A social media shoutout
💵 Eligibility for scholarships
🏅 Exclusive Class of 2026 merch
👥 Induction to the @BTMAlumni Network
...and more!

Complete your Senior Exit Survey now at: breakthrough.miami/classof2026 ⬅️ (Link in bio).

#reels #reel #classof2026 @btmalumni

Today we celebrate the Dream Team behind our BREAK

Today we celebrate the Dream Team behind our BREAKTHROUGHS! 💡

On #EmployeeAppreciationDay, we salute our Breakthrough Miami DREAM TEAM for powering our Village every single day. From supporting Scholars and mentoring future leaders to building partnerships and keeping our Village running strong, our Dream Team brings passion, creativity, and spirit to everything they do.

Through our team’s dedication, Breakthrough Miami is able to continue opening doors of opportunity for our community’s youth, solidifying our work as Miami’s Opportunity Generator, and creating pathways for our youth to learn, lead, and thrive in.

To our Dream Team; We thank you for the energy, laughter, collaboration, and commitment you bring. 💙

Can you guess who is who? 💭⬇️

#nonprofit #breakthroughmiami

Happy "Miami Day"! It's 3/05 in the 305! 🌴 "305 d

Happy "Miami Day"! It's 3/05 in the 305! 🌴

"305 day" is a chance for us to share our collective love for the city of Miami, a shot of "cafecito" at 3:05 P.M., our treasured traditions, and the quirky charisma that can only be found here in Miami.

Born and bred in the #305, Breakthrough Miami is proud to continue serving as Miami's Opportunity Generator for 35 years! Throughout the years, we've fully embraced our community in everything we've done and work toward opening doors of opportunity for future leaders in our community. 💡

Tag your fave Miami spots down below. ⬇️

#miami #nonprofit #breakthroughmiami @fiuinstagram @univmiami @evergladesnps @wynwoodwallsofficial @pamm @miami.paradoxmuseum @virginiakeybeachpark @rubellmuseum

“None of us can save the world, but we could sure

“None of us can save the world, but we could sure make a difference in somebody else who might make an extraordinary difference in this world.” -David Lawrence Jr. 💭

Happy Birthday to community changemaker, living legend, and Breakthrough Miami friend, David Lawrence Jr.! 🎉

Recognized as one of the most dedicated advocates for children and families in the country, David Lawrence Jr. played an integral role in bringing our students-teaching-students model to South Florida, helping Breakthrough Miami raise, “money, friends, and attention” during our early days.

In addition to having been a renowned newspaper editor and publisher for the @MiamiHerald, Dave is a beacon for change in our community who has dedicated his life to serving others. Dave played a crucial role in founding numerous community organizations including @TheChildrensTrust and countless others, helping emerging leaders make their mark in Miami.

Thanks to David's tireless work as a changemaker, Breakthrough Miami was propelled as a powerful launchpad for generations of students striving to reach their fullest potential.

From our Breakthrough Miami Village to you, Happy Birthday David!

#leaders #community #breakthroughmiami @davelawrencejr

🚨 TIME'S ALMOST UP, SENIORS! 🚨 The deadline to sub

🚨 TIME'S ALMOST UP, SENIORS! 🚨 The deadline to submit your Senior Exit Survey is ALMOST HERE!

Completion of your Senior Exit Survey grants you:
🎓 Admission to our 2026 Senior Celebration
📣 A social media shoutout
💵 Eligibility for scholarships and awards
🏅 Exclusive Class of 2026 merch
👥 Induction to the @BTMAlumni Network
...and more!

Don't miss YOUR chance in the SPOTLIGHT! Get started at: breakthrough.miami/classof2026 before the March 7th deadline. (Link in bio). 🔗

#nonprofit #breakthroughmiami #classof2026

Shoutout to Breakthrough Miami Volunteer CHANGEMAK

Shoutout to Breakthrough Miami Volunteer CHANGEMAKER, Georgia Kassewitz! ✏️

Although Georgia only recently joined our Breakthrough Village earlier this year, she has already proven herself as a valuable addition to our Changemaker cohort.

In addition to offering help whenever she's able, Georgia leads with heart, pride, and embodies many of our Breakthrough values. Georgia arrives to every Super Saturday earlier than her scheduled time simply to help our Staff set up for the day. She has been known to step up and take charge of any classrooms that needed additional assistance, and has even applied to additional cabinet positions within our Village. Seeking to create additional impact, Georgia has curated multiple service projects for our host site campus to engage in, and has even created a wish list of supplies to ensure our Scholars, Changemakers, and Fellows always have the proper essentials to lead maximum impact.

In addition to her responsibilities as a Changemaker, Georgia has taken on additional responsibilities, including administration duties, bus, and tutoring duties. Georgia is on a fast track to being fully on our @Miami_Country_Day_School cabinet next year and is excited to continue growing and expanding her service over the next few years!

Outside of being a Changemaker, Georgia is the President-in-training of @BestBuddies, serves as a member of the Student Advisory Board for @BestBuddiesSFL, is a Breakthrough Miami Club Member, is a Garner Scholar, a Model UN club member, and a member of the National Junior Honors Society.

When she graduates in 2029, Georgia hopes to attend a top 20 university, major in Business or International Relations, and become an entrepreneur or business owner that works toward opening schools in developing countries to promote equal access to education.

Breakthroughs are in your future, Georgia. Congratulations! 👏

@Volunteerflorida #Volunteer #VolunteerOfTheMonth

Confidence captured and opportunity UNLOCKED. 🔓 S

Confidence captured and opportunity UNLOCKED. 🔓

Shoutout to @EPatrickFarrell, Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist for The @MiamiHerald, for sharing his time, talent, and generosity with our Breakthrough U Scholars during this year's Mock Interview Day! 📸💡

Patrick’s work, including his Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography, has been recognized globally and has shaped how the world understands resilience, humanity, and truth.

At this year’s Mock Interview Day, Patrick generously provided professional headshots for our college-bound Breakthrough U Scholars, giving them a powerful tool as they step into the professional world. These professional headshots can open doors of opportunity for our Scholars, helping present themselves with confidence as they pursue internships, careers, and leadership opportunities beyond the classroom.

We salute Patrick for showing up for our Village and helping empower our Scholars on their journeys as future professionals. Your impact extends far beyond the lens, and we’re grateful to have your support on their journey toward post-academic success. 📸

#nonprofit #photography #careerprep

What's better than Sunday brunch, shopping and Bre

What's better than Sunday brunch, shopping and Breakthroughs? 🙌

Still haven't secured your spot? Here's what's included in your Brunchin' for Breakthroughs ticket: 🎟️
🍽️ A curated brunch by the hotel's award-winning culinary team and students
🎶 Live musical performances
💙 Meaningful connections with fellow supporters
and changemakers

Generously hosted by the @THesisHotelMiami and set in the Paseo's beautiful open-air space, this year's Brunchin' for Breakthroughs will also debut The Young Entrepreneurs Market: A place where Breakthrough Scholars can launch and sell their own business ventures. The Market will offer guests a front-row seat to the creativity, confidence, and entrepreneurial spirit of Miami's next generation of innovators.

Limited tickets available. Get started using the link in bio. 🔗

@mameymiami @curiocollection @hilton #coralgables #nonprofit

Class of 2026, Breakthrough fame could be YOURS! 🤩

Class of 2026, Breakthrough fame could be YOURS! 🤩

Seniors - In addition to exclusive Breakthrough Class of '26 merch, your Senior Exit Survey submission grants you eligibility to one of the following awards during Senior Celebration: 🎓

🗞 @BTMAlumni Book Scholarship Award
🤝Regina Jolivette Frazier Legacy Award - Awarded to a Scholar that demonstrate a deep commitment to community impact and transformation through education
💡Jason Jenkins Leadership Award - Awarded to a Scholar who has embraced a philosophy of servant leadership and community-building
💙@JaxFamFoundation Scholarship Award - Supports college-bound youth to achieve their educational goals

🚨 The deadline to complete your Senior Exit is THIS SATURDAY! 🚨 breakthrough.miami/classof2026 ⬅️ (Link in bio).

#reels #reel #classof2026 @btmalumni

Shoutout to Breakthrough Miami Volunteer CHANGEMAK

Shoutout to Breakthrough Miami Volunteer CHANGEMAKER, Samantha Suarez! ✏️

Making Breakthroughs happen as both a Scholar and Changemaker in our Village, Samantha has consistently been a valuable part of our Breakthrough Miami programming since her inception. Samantha has strategically used her transition from Scholar to Changemaker to strengthen her relationships with our Scholars and has expanded our community into her own personal world. A devoted Changemaker dedicated to her role, Samantha is often the first to arrive to campus and the last one to leave during programming.

Moved by her love for our Village and mission, Sam has taken it upon herself to recruit and empower several of her friends to also become Changemakers, therefore expanding our Village. Looking to create additional impact, Samantha is rapidly working her way up to even more leadership roles. In her own words, "I grew up in Breakthrough, and now I love being able to give back by volunteering and helping out whenever I can. Breakthrough has always been a big part of my life, and I’m proud to support and help out."

In addition to being a leader within our Breakthrough Village, Samantha's leadership roles in her community include membership in the National Honor Society and Biomed Club at her school, as well as serving as a mentor at @ShakeALegMIA.

Samantha wants to accomplish a lot in her future, but right now, some of her major goals are to study medicine and become a doctor, or to pursue a career in cancer biology studies. Regardless of her final path, Samantha also wishes to travel and explore different parts of the world.

Keep on being "breakalicious", Samantha! 👏

@Volunteerflorida #Volunteer #VolunteerOfTheMonth @ransomevergladesschool

We're excited to share the winners of our 2026 #Bl

We're excited to share the winners of our 2026 #BlackHistoryMonth essay contest in honor of Garth C. Reeves, following this year's theme, “Celebrating Untold Stories and Contributions of African Americans in South Florida”! 📝

Every community is filled with heroes whose stories aren’t always written in textbooks. Through this year’s theme, our Scholars went searching for the legends among us; The educators, trailblazers, innovators, and changemakers whose impact lives in our neighborhoods, schools, and families. Their essays remind us that instead of history being something we simply read about, it’s something that's being written every day here in South Florida.

Congratulations to all our winners and young essay contributors for their achievements and Breakthroughs!💡

Elementary Winners:
🥇Berlin De La Paz, 5th-Grade student at @NorthDadeCML. Subject: Jessica McCloud
🥈Aneisha Simmonds, 5th-Grade student at Jesse J. McCrary (@jessejelem). Subject: Miss Carter.
🥉Kairi Diaz, 5th-Grade student at @CAREElementary. Subject: Marshall L. Davis Sr.

Middle School Winners:
🥇Christoper Marshall Jr., 6th-Grade student at @GulliverPrep_. Subject: Erica Ruffin Marshall
🥈Santiago Girola, 6th-Grade student at International Studies Charter School (@ischseagles). Subject: @Calvin.C.Hughes
🥉Chibuike Adele, 6th-Grade student at @RansomEvergladesSchool. Subject: Alexa Canady

High School Winners:
🥇Adrian Ville, 12th-Grade student at Northwestern Sr. High School (@mnwbulls55). Subject: Dwight Wells
🥈Zarriyah Abdullah, 9th-Grade student at William H. Turner Tech Sr. High (turnertechhs). Subject: Betty T. Ferguson
🥉Kaleigh Burse, 9th-Grade student at William H. Turner Tech Sr. High (turnertechhs). Subject: Edward Sheppard

A "breakalicious" Thank You to our friends at @CokeFlorida for their continued sponsorship, which generously provided laptops to the winners in each category! 💻

#breakthroughmiami #nonprofit @themiamitimes @mansfieldbrothers

Save the date and bring your appetite for IMPACT!

Save the date and bring your appetite for IMPACT! 🥂🍽️

Join us March 15th at @THesisHotelMiami for Brunchin’ for Breakthroughs; A celebration of education, entrepreneurship, and COMMUNITY, all in support of creating more opportunities for our Scholars!

From a beautifully curated brunch crafted by the hotel's award-winning culinary team supported by Scholar apprentices, to a mini market led by our Scholar student entrepreneurs, this event promises to be a morning of connections and Breakthroughs. 💡

We’re also excited to welcome our Brunchin’ for Breakthroughs sponsors whose leadership and generosity helped make this event possible:
✨ John Chidsey
✨ @Citadel
✨ Greenberg Traurig (@gt_law)
✨ @Nolan.Reynolds.International
✨ Boyne Capital
✨ @GenslerMiami
✨ @LaBellaAssociates
✨ @BlueIvyCoaching
✨ @KaufmanRossin
✨ @GablesFoundation
✨ @AmerantBank
✨ Redwheel

Pull up a seat, raise a glass, and help us power the next generation of leaders. 💙 Secure your ticket or sponsorship using the link in bio. 🔗

@mameymiami @curiocollection @hilton #coralgables #nonprofit

Shoutout to Breakthrough Miami Volunteer CHANGEMAK

Shoutout to Breakthrough Miami Volunteer CHANGEMAKER and Senior at Coral Gables Senior High (@coralgables_shs), Michy Cruz! ✏️

Michy has grown and developed exponentially as a young leader from the time she was a Scholar to where she is now as a Changemaker. She has demonstrated an unwavering, consistent dedication to our Village, always finding opportunities to remain involved with our program and her Scholars. She is an excellent role model for her peers and the Scholars she continues to mentor.

Keep up the "breakalicious" work, Michy! 👏

@Volunteerflorida #Volunteer #VolunteerOfTheMonth @carrolltonsacredheart @MariTereMDCPS @commissionerregalado

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