For the third consecutive year, Breakthrough Atlanta received grant funds awarded by AmeriCorps to organizations that are tackling some of the toughest problems in Georgia—including attracting future educators.

Nearly $285K was awarded to Breakthrough Atlanta, a nonprofit that has served thousands of middle school, high school and college students over the last 25+ years with its dual mission to increase academic opportunity for highly motivated, underserved students and get them into college ready to succeed; and inspire and develop the next generation of teachers and educational leaders. 

The grant will enable 45 AmeriCorps members to serve as teaching fellows during the Breakthrough Atlanta’s 2023 signature summer learning program. The summer learning experience — which helps combat summer learning loss that occurs among underserved students — is a component of Breakthrough Atlanta’s six-year, tuition-free, year-round program that provides a pathway to college for hundreds of middle and high school students each year. 

The paid teaching fellow internship opportunity is available to college students of all majors who will serve as relatable mentors and role models while gaining leadership and classroom experience teaching students. Following their experience, approximately 75% of the teaching fellows indicate that they are more likely to pursue a career in education because of their internship at Breakthrough.

“Given the growing nationwide teacher shortage, our unique, two-fold mission is more important than ever as we cultivate a new and diverse generation of teachers to further their ambition to help all students succeed,” said Monique Shields, Breakthrough Atlanta CEO. “We are grateful for this partnership with AmeriCorps, which provides a meaningful service opportunity that can have a lasting, transformational impact on our students and AmeriCorps members alike.”

Breakthrough Atlanta was one of several organizations in Georgia that was awarded grants to implement AmeriCorps programs. Click here for more information about the grant.