Breakthrough Miami

Calling upon the community-service ideals they learned as students at Ransom Everglades, two lifelong friends founded a program they hoped would inspire at-risk middle school students to recognize and reach their full potential. John Flickinger '74 and Doug Weiser '74, with direction from faculty member Joe Mauro, formed what was then known as Summerbridge Miami in 1992. 

More than 30 years later, that program – now known as Breakthrough Miami – serves more than 1,500 students across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Ransom Everglades was not only its first home, but continues to serve as its largest site with presence at both the upper and middle school campuses. Breakthrough Miami uses a unique “students-teaching-students” model to create a rigorous, vibrant learning community, where highly motivated, traditionally underrepresented fifth- through 12th-grade students are supported to achieve post-secondary success and emerging leaders are inspired to become the next generation of educators and advocates. Many RE students, faculty members, parents, and alumni continue to support Breakthrough Miami as volunteers, Teaching Fellows, and more. For more information, email Director of Curriculum and Instruction/Site Director Gia Maxwell or visit their website.