Far from sitting empty, Day School classrooms were put to good use this summer. Eighty-four highly motivated students, all rising fifth and sixth graders from public schools in San Francisco, studied English, math, writing, science, and social studies under the direction of 20 aspiring educators from high schools and colleges nationwide, as Breakthrough San Francisco conducted its 17th summer of academic enrichment programming at the Day School.

Hard work was a main ingredient. Students shook the sleep from their eyes as they arrived with a dance party on the Golden Gate sidewalk, breakfasted in the cafeteria, and then headed off for four hours of academic instruction, followed by two hours of homework each night. Small classes of eight students, as well as energetic teachers and engaging material, kept the students on their toes all day. Students read and analyzed novels; constructed persuasive and critical essays; honed their pre-algebra skills; and immersed themselves in specialized topics in the social studies and sciences, such as History of the Eastern World and Sensation and Perception.

In the afternoon, students took part in extracurricular activities, learning to cha cha, tie-dye, play percussion, or speak French. They also celebrated what they’d learned at a daily All-Community Meeting. On Fridays, special events like College Day and Career Day sought to expose the students to a wide range of future options. The summer culminated in a potluck dinner and celebration on July 30.

Chosen for their determination to achieve, as well as socio-economic need, Breakthrough students earn their spot in the program by dint of a rigorous admissions process that includes essays, interviews, report cards, test scores, and teacher feedback. They make a two-year, year-round commitment to Breakthrough as part of an investment in their educational future. 95% of Breakthrough students are of color; 74% will be the first in their families to attend college. The program seeks to supplement the education that students receive in the public school system, providing additional reinforcement, inspiration, and opportunity. “It’s a program that helps you with everything,” explains Keila, a rising sixth grader. “Instead of just being home, I’m getting ahead academically. The teachers are really nice and they make hard stuff seem really fun.”

Their teachers were 20 idealistic, hard-working high school and college students with an interest in teaching. They, too, passed through a rigorous admissions process, during which 93% of applicants were cut. 75% of teachers were of color; all attend top-tier schools such as University High School, University of Pennsylvania, and Morehouse. They taught classes, mentored students in the cafeteria and on the playground, led extracurricular activities, and in general got a taste of what teaching is like. They were supervised by a team of professional classroom teachers from around the city. Ultimately, Breakthrough seeks to foster not only engaged learners, but also a diverse and talented supply of professional teachers, helping to alleviate the shortage of high-quality personnel in urban public school classrooms. “I never thought I’d fall this much in love with teaching,” said Teng Yang, a rising junior at Brown. “It allows me the chance to affect lives very individually and very effectively.”

Outcome data from the 2009 summer program will be available soon. For more information or to get involved, please visit www.sfds.net/breakthroughsanfrancisco or contact Executive Director Andy Shin at ashin@sfds.net.

Click here to view photos of Breakthrough San Francisco’s summer program.