Why does Breakthrough focus on getting students into college-preparatory high school programs?
• Nationally, only 28% of low-income students are enrolled in a college-preparatory curriculum during their high school years. Yet research shows that bachelor’s degree completion Increases when students have a strong high school curriculum, particularly for low-income students. (Gates Education Policy Paper. Closing the graduation gap: Toward high schools that prepare all students for college, work and citizenship. 2003; Adelman, U.S. Department of Education, The Toolbox Revisited, 2006) • For more information, see Breakthrough’s Research Brief – What does it take to prepare students academically for college?. Why does Breakthrough monitor students’ courses and grades and provide academic support to students throughout the school year in middle school and high school? • Research shows that underserved students are more likely to fall off the path to college and that they and their families are less likely “to know about the repercussions of current course choices on future class place
