our story
Unleashing Potential, Elevating Communities
MISSION & CORE VALUES
MISSION STATEMENT
Breakthrough Silicon Valley prepares highly-motivated students to become first-generation college graduates and inspires emerging leaders to be the next generation of educators and advocates for equity.
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.
Inclusion and Community: We demonstrate genuine respect for the full BTSV community, all of whom bring valuable perspectives, lived experience, resources, and expertise to our movement.
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 equity in San Jose. We're driven by more than optimism; we're propelled to close the opportunity gap, fuel first-generation college success, and usher in a new era of advocacy and inclusion. 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. At BTSV, we infuse academic rigor with social-emotional learning in the context of supportive learning communities, 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 Inclusive Excellence
Vision 2025, our newly minted 3-year strategic plan is a call to action. The initiative aims to bolster our peer-mentorship approach, extend our impact, and crystallize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into the very DNA of our organization.
Our Team, a Reflection of Our Values
We're proud to say that the diversity of our team mirrors the values we advocate. More than 90% of our staff identify as people of color, while over 60% are first-gen college graduates themselves. The dynamics are equally enriching at the top: 75% of our leadership team come from similar backgrounds, creating a nuanced understanding that fuels and informs our work.
Board Evolution: From Inclusion to Leadership
For us, diversity doesn't stop with the staff. We've endeavored to ensure our Board reflects the lived experiences of our students and families. Currently, 47% of our board members identify as people of color, and 40% are first-generation college graduates. Two proud Breakthrough Silicon Valley alumni are board members, and we're actively seeking to increase this representation.