A Historic Chapter for Our Scholars
Five New Libraries by 2028
A generous $1 million match challenge from Cathy Lincoln is helping make libraries a reality at all five Breakthrough campuses. By 2028, every Breakthrough scholar will have access to a library and dedicated librarian. Together, we're creating spaces that fuel curiosity, inspire imagination and foster a love of reading.
Why we're excited
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Access for every Breakthrough scholar
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Books that reflect our scholars
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Warm, welcoming reading space at every campus
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Full time librarians at each campus
Support the Libaray campaign
Every dollar you give is instantly doubled. Your $50 becomes $100; your $500 becomes $1,000. This is a historic moment to maximize your impact on the future of Cleveland’s scholars.
Breakthrough Woodland Hills
New Gym & Multipurpose Facility Expansion
In December 2024, Breakthrough Woodland Hills broke ground on a $2.9 million expansion to enhance student life and better serve our community.
Why we're excited
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10,000 sq. ft. gym and multipurpose space
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A dedicated cafeteria to improve meal service
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Expanded office and storage space
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A true home court for sports and school events
honoring a champion
This exciting project is a reality thanks to a remarkable fundraising effort—led in part by Friends of Breakthrough Board Member Larry Orwin, who took on the grueling Badwater 135 ultramarathon in Death Valley twice to raise support. Thanks to Larry and many generous donors, our scholars will soon have more space to learn, grow, and play.
thank you!
This milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our community. Thank you for helping us provide our students and neighbors with this beautiful new addition to the Breakthrough Woodland Hills Campus!
Literacy Tutoring Pilot
Amplify Learning
Last year, your donations helped launch the Amplify Literacy Tutoring Program, a pilot initiative designed to close reading gaps for scholars in grades 3–6.
Program highlights
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Individual assessments to identify reading gaps
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Research-aligned, small-group virtual tutoring
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Focus on accelerated progress
The results were encouraging, with participating scholars making measurable gains. Because of you, we’re one step closer to ensuring every scholar becomes a confident, capable reader.
Nurturing Well-Rounded Scholars
Social-Emotional Learning & Support
Strong partnerships and a commitment to scholar well-being helped us implement impactful social-emotional learning (SEL) initiatives during the 2023–24 school year.
Key milestones
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In-School Reflection (ISR) rooms at every campus, reducing out-of-school suspensions by 80% and in-school suspensions by 33%.
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SEL classes available to all scholars, focused on emotional wellness, identity-affirmation, and life skills.
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Expanded learning through our continued partnership with Open Doors Academy, including after-school enrichment and a 2024 summer camp focused on academic and social-emotional growth.
Scholars participating in these programs saw a 74% improvement in math and a 60% improvement in ELA from trimester one to trimester two.
Support Friends of Breakthrough
Help Us Help Cleveland Scholars & Teachers
Together, we're building more than just schools—we're building futures. Thank you for investing in our mission and the lives of our scholars.
As we continue our mission to support and uplift Cleveland's inner-city schools, we ask that you consider making a donation to Friends of Breakthrough. Every contribution, no matter the amount, makes a meaningful impact in helping us provide essential resources to our students and schools.