Breakthrough Silicon Valley

Breakthrough Silicon Valley offers a six-year program that uses a students-teaching-students model with near peer mentors and role models through Teaching Fellows and peer mentors. The program includes a tailored blend of academic rigor, personalized advising, leadership development, meaningful career exposure, unparalleled family education, and supportive learning communities that combine academic rigor with character building. Vision 2025 is a three-year strategic plan within the program that focuses on supporting students and families at a deeper level, strengthening the peer-mentorship approach to college success, and providing more individualized support at all grade levels.

• Ages: 12–18 years old
• Schedule: Offices are open until 7:00 p.m. during the school year and until 5:00 p.m. during the summer

Since 2002, Breakthrough Silicon Valley has focused on educational access in San Jose, beginning with a partnership between Applied Materials and the San Jose Unified School District. The mission of Breakthrough Silicon Valley 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 organization is deeply connected with local school districts and community partners and maintains offices within the San Jose Unified School District and the Franklin-McKinley School District. The team includes staff members of whom more than 60% are from the first generation in their families to graduate from college. Breakthrough Silicon Valley has received recognition that includes the Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Award and a $1.4 million federal AmeriCorps award. The offices are open over most school breaks and many holidays.

Last updated August 8, 2026.