Breakthrough Silicon Valley

Breakthrough Silicon Valley serves 7th-12th grade students through individualized advising, academic rigor, personalized support, leadership development, family conferences, peer mentoring, and career-focused networks. The program also includes year-round engagements and spirited summer experiences.

Programs

• Breakthrough Silicon Valley student program — 7th-12th grade students · Year-round engagements; spirited summer experiences · Provides individualized advising, academic rigor, personalized support, leadership development, family conferences, peer mentoring, and career-focused networks.
• Teaching Fellow / AmeriCorps Teaching Fellow — high school and college students · Students-teaching-students model where high-achieving high school and college students teach and inspire.

At a glance

• Ages: 12–18 years old
• General schedule: Six-year program; year-round engagements; spirited summer experiences.
• Facility hours: During the school year until 6:30 p.m.; during the summer until 5:00 p.m.

About the provider

Breakthrough Silicon Valley has operated since 2002. It was founded through a partnership between Applied Materials and the San Jose Unified School District, and it serves San Jose youth with local partners, supporters, and students. Its mission is to prepare highly-motivated students to become the first in their family to graduate from college and to inspire emerging leaders to be the next generation of educators and advocates for equity. The program has received national acclaim, the Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Award, and a $1.4 million federal AmeriCorps award.

• Volunteer — Volunteer opportunities to mentor future leaders and support the program.

Mission-driven, commitment to excellence, needs responsive, honor the life of the child, laughter and fun, continuous assessment, respect and community.

Last updated November 6, 2026.