Breakthrough Silicon Valley
Invite reviews
Invite friends and colleagues to share their experiences with this nonprofit
September 26, 2011
I attended BSV's summer Visitor's Day, and was VERY impressed with the design and implementation of their program. The students and the teachers were all engaged and enthusiastic, and the testimonials were moving. A special bonus was hearing the founder, Lois Loofbourrow, speak about the history and results of the Breakthrough Collaborative. She gave me goosebumps!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
hearing the students and teachers speak about how Breakthrough changed their lives.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I wouldn't make any changes.
September 20, 2011
The Breakthrough students' achievements are stunning, and their graduation rate amazing. We spent part of a day attending some of the classes and saw for ourselves the innovative small classrooms and clever teaching ideas. Their financial management is sound and rational, and they deserve a closer look by all possible funders.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
...watching their excellent graduation rates over the last 2-3 years.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
...give them more money (someone else's hopefully).
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
What specific problem, purpose, priority, or project prompted your gift?
Their focus on programs for girls and not just unisex programs.
Why did you make your donation at this time?
They need it!
What would you tell others about this organization?
Come see for yourselves how well Breakthrough students are doing.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
September 20, 2011
Breakthrough SV is a wonderful organization with a creative vision, successful outcomes, dynamic leadership and wide appeal.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've heard the experiences of students, parents and staff in this organization.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Broaden ability to admit more students.
December 31, 2010
This nonprofit - which now goes by the name Breakthrough Silicon Valley - is part of the Breakthrough Collective. It has been in existence about six years. I am both a donor to, and a volunteer with, Breakthrough Silicon Valley. The goal of the organization is to support high potential, low income students onto the college track. About 180 students are served in the San Jose area each year, currently 7th and 8th graders, though there are plans to expand the program through high school. Most of the students will be the first in their families to go to college. The majority are people of color. About 60% are girls. During the school year the emphasis in the program is on math, while the summer school branches out into social studies, science, and other fields.
One of the neat features of the program is that it grows teachers. During the school year, most of the tutoring is provided by senior high school and community college students. During the six week summer program, this is supplemented by teachers who are students at four year colleges, including places like Stanford, Berkeley, and Princeton. These student teachers are mentored by professional teachers. The majority of the young teachers develop a love for teaching. a better understanding of what it involves, and an intention to go into teaching as a profession. Importantly, the majority of them - some 70% - are also people of color.
Breakthrough Silicon Valley does a great job getting the kids through 8th grade algebra, far surpassing the results of the school district as a whole.
They are a small but energetic group with ambitions to replicate the program in other appropriate locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. The ED is Latino, as are two of the other staff; while the fourth member of staff is an African American who attended Breakthrough in San Francisco before going on to Stanford.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
meeting the students on a number of occasions and hearing first hand how their confidence level has increased with their academic work, and how they regard the Breakthrough staff as a second family, always there to support them in acheiving their ambitions.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
want to see it more engaged with other local nonprofits that work with a similar population in high schools.
Previous |
Next
Filter by reviewer role:
Support This Nonprofit
Help this nonprofit get more reviews
5 tips for getting reviews