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This is a season of exhilarating change at Breakthrough Miami as we take the next important step in the fulfillment of our vision of assuring that all children will have equal access to excellent educational opportunities and enthusiastic teachers dedicated to their success. Our recent name change from Summerbridge to Breakthrough is indicative of this change but only a small part of the plan.
Beyond the new name is an inspired and ambitious project to reach out to thousands more students and families here in Miami-Dade. In doing so, Breakthrough Miami will lead a national expansion effort that will impact tens of thousands of students across the U.S. A new “Breakthrough Nation” will be born right here in Miami, and we will plant the first seeds and nurture future leaders who will radically change the face of education for generations to come.
This time last year I was planning for our 15th anniversary, and just last spring we celebrated our “quince” as we honored the accomplishments of more than 1,000 Breakthrough graduates and young teachers. Everyone close to the organization could sense that Breakthrough Miami had come of age and growth was a natural next step. Natural but not necessarily inevitable; a year ago I wouldn’t have predicted and wasn’t planning for the momentous change taking place.
I have always believed there is a season for everything, and that when one is ready, opportunities will present themselves and doors will open. The Knight Foundation has opened the door for this organization with its generous and visionary grant. We have the opportunity to take our programming to the next level.
While this change for Breakthrough Miami represents a convergence of readiness and opportunity, the decision to expand is really a deep, positive affirmation of our history, effectiveness of our programs and demonstrated student success. It also is
a re-commitment to the importance of our mission.
I believe that Breakthrough Miami has unlimited potential just like every Breakthrough student. The ability to grow to realize this potential depends on the breadth and depth of support of a caring community equally committed to the success of our children. Breakthrough Miami has been blessed over the years to be
surrounded and nurtured by such a community. Beginning with Ransom Everglades School and extending out to many in our corporate and foundation community, we are grateful for the support. The generosity of many, many individuals also is appreciated.
There is much work to be done and nothing can be taken for granted. The small but consistent base of financial support we’ve enjoyed must grow significantly both in number and scale of contributions. New leadership must be identified, developed
and nurtured both at the staff and board levels. We must remain focused and true to our mission, constantly evaluating our work and maintaining the quality and excellence of our programs that is our tradition and trademark.
I invite you to join Breakthrough Miami as we embark on this exhilarating journey. I hope everyone involved with the program, from our students and families, graduates and teachers, to our staff, partners and donors, feel as incredibly blessed to be a part of this significant, meaningful undertaking.
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