A BREAKTHROUGH COLLABORATIVE

IN 1992, TWO LIFE-LONG FRIENDS AND RANSOM GRADUATES FROM THE CLASS OF 1974, decided to heed the words of Paul C. Ransom and put the community service initiative they had learned at Ransom Everglades to work. These two young men founded and created Summerbridge Miami, now called Breakthrough Miami, a program designed to inspire at-risk middle school students to recognize and reach their full potential. The maxim of this Breakthrough Collaborative program is “students teaching students.” Ransom Everglades students and alumni, together with other qualified teachers from around the country, work with these middle school students from disadvantaged backgrounds to teach them the academic skills they will need to enter into and succeed in college-preparatory programs. This program was designed to empower students to become dynamic and successful learners, leaders and teachers. The Breakthrough Miami program requires a two-year commitment from its instructors and students including two academically rich eight-week summer programs at the Middle School campus and tutoring sessions on Saturdays at the Upper School campus during the school year.

In 2002, ten years after the establishment of this exceptional program, Breakthrough Miami was approved for a two million dollar grant in order to develop and expand the program to two additional sites: Liberty City Charter School and Corpus Christi Catholic School. Both schools are partners in the grant and will receive funding through Ransom Everglades School to implement programs at their respective schools.

[ Breakthrough Miami Staff ]
[ Breakthrough Miami Web Site ]

Initially, I thought I exclusively owed my complete success at RE to John Flickinger and the Breakthrough Miami (formerly Summerbridge) program, but now I realize that I also owe Ransom Everglades. It is truly a private school serving a public purpose. In an attempt to repay my debt to both MB and RE, I decided to become a volunteer and teacher. This was the best decision of my life because I was given the opportunity to put the same smile on kids’ faces that teachers put on mine.  lI oved having a positive impact on the kids. They were very responsive and enjoyed every innovative way I tried to teach a lesson. In addition to the influence I had on the kids, I also appreciate the possible career option teaching at Miami Breakthrough gives you. I never intended on being a teacher, but now that alternative lies in the back of my mind. However, I do know that because of MB, I’ll base my occupation on serving my community and opening doors for others. I wholeheartedly thank Miami Breakthrough and Ransom Everglades for demonstrating to me that it is not what you get out of the world, but what you put in it.  TERRON FERGUSON, CLASS OF 2004