Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano is part of a national movement supporting 1st gen students from middle school through college graduation. BTsjc supports students from middle school to college graduation through tuition-free, college access programming. By providing academic enrichment opportunities and support, we are changing the trajectory for students whose backgrounds are underrepresented in higher education. Nearly all Breakthrough SJC students are from low-income backgrounds and will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Additionally, Breakthrough SJC is one of 24 affiliate sites across the nation belonging to Breakthrough Collaborative, and it is the only Breakthrough site in southern California. The Collaborative was founded in San Francisco in 1978 and has served over 40,000 students and teachers to date. Each year, 5,000 students and 1,000 teachers join the movement in making college a reality for underserved students. The program’s efficacy has been confirmed by Stanford University and the American Institute of Research through longitudinal and pre- and post- test assessments. Breakthrough Collaborative brings innovative programs into communities across the country for local impact supported and informed by national infrastructure and expertise.