our story
Unleashing Potential, Elevating Communities
MISSION & CORE VALUES
MISSION STATEMENT
Breakthrough Silicon Valley prepares highly-motivated students to become the first in their family to graduate from college, and inspires emerging leaders to be the next generation of educators and student advocates.
core values
Mission-driven: Every aspect of the program is geared towards preparing our students and teachers for the goals stated in the mission.
Commitment to Excellence: Excellence permeates every aspect of the program: student work, lesson plans, field trips, public speaking, displays, events, presentations, lesson plans, curriculum, teacher training, All School Meetings, etc.
Needs responsive: We provide a support system around individual needs and build on his/her strengths. It takes time to understand the individual. Trust is fundamental. Trust is hard-earned.
Honor the life of the child: We respect the child's life as it is. We need not save lives; better we enhance those whose lives intersect with our own.
Laughter and fun: We teach the students the absolute clean-cut fun of laughter and a love of learning.
Continuous assessment: BTSV is steeped in constant evaluation and self-assessment to offer the best to our students and avoid mediocrity. Teachers, staff, and students routinely receive, give and welcome constructive criticism as opportunities for improvement.
Respect and Community: We demonstrate genuine respect for the full BTSV community, all of whom bring valuable perspectives, experience, resources, and expertise to our work together.
Together, we're transforming
the trajectory of San Jose's youth
Since 2002, Breakthrough Silicon Valley has been a trailblazer in the pursuit of educational access in San Jose. We're driven by more than optimism; we're propelled to close the opportunity gap, fuel first-generation college students’ success, and usher in the next generation of leaders. Alongside devoted local partners, steadfast supporters, and, most crucially, ambitious students, we're turning this dream into an attainable reality.
2,100+
Students served
99%
Of graduates enrolled in college
600+
Teaching Fellows inspired
HISTORY
Redefining Educational Milestones in San Jose
Born in 2002 from a partnership between Applied Materials and the San Jose Unified School District, Breakthrough Silicon Valley has continually evolved, deepening our impact with each passing year. Today, we are sparking change across our community and beyond, reaching more than 500 students and 40 young educators every year.
RESEARCH-DRIVEN MODEL
An Award-Winning Approach to Success
Our data-backed methodologies have garnered national acclaim and are game-changing in their own right. Our accolades range from the Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Award to a 1.4 million dollar federal AmeriCorps award.
APPROACH
The Journey Starts Here
Education at BTSV extends beyond grades, encompassing a holistic approach. Our supportive learning communities infuse academic rigor with character building, creating an ecosystem of ambitious, talented, and community-minded individuals ready for higher education and beyond.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
The Breakthrough Difference
Through meaningful career exposure, unparalleled family education, and our “students-teaching-students” model, we equip students for college and empower them for their life ahead.
OUR FUTURE: VISION 2025
Pioneering the Path for IMPACT AND Excellence
Vision 2025, our newly minted 3-year strategic plan is a call to action. The initiative aims to support students and families at a deeper level, bolster our peer-mentorship approach to college success, and provide more individualized support at all grade levels.
Our Team, a Reflection of Our MISSION
Our team embodies the mission we pursue —- more than 60% are from the first generation in their families to graduate from college.
Board Leadership
Our dedicated Board brings a wealth of experience, networks, and access to resources that propel our work forward. Currently, 40% are first-generation college graduates, and two proud Breakthrough Silicon Valley alumni are board members.