Welcome

Breakthrough Central Texas Virtual Summer Academy

During Breakthrough Central Texas first Virtual Summer Academy, students participated in engaging multi-disciplinary projects that explored the effects of recent protests and COVID-19 on their community and the world with a lens to social justice. Students were supported through their project via virtual Zoom classes offered 3 times per week where they connected with peers and their teachers. Outside that class time, students had a manageable but compelling list of learning activities to complete related to the project each week. Students also had the opportunity to connect with other students in their grade level or their entire site at All School Meetings (assemblies) offered virtually Tuesday - Thursday. Additional learning experiences included reading a Community Novel, virtual field trips and cultural enrichment activities each Friday. The Virtual Middle School Academy culminated in the presentation of our digital time capsule. Our Breakthrough staff provided ongoing advising to students throughout the summer to support their health and well-being, maintain their authentic connection with students, and support their expected transition back to school in the fall.

Virtual Summer Academy Goals

• Support the health and well-being of our students

• Build community and authentic connections between peers, advisors, and others in Breakthrough

• Enrich the academic experience of students this summer by developing their identity as lifelong learners and providing opportunities to read and write

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Breakthrough gratefully acknowledges the contributions of each of our students, teaching fellows and staff members to make this virtual summer academy a reality . A special thanks to kYmberly Keeton, M.L.S., C.A., African American Community Archivist & Librarian with the Austin History Center, Austin Public Library for your guidance in preserving the important and valued perspectives of our students.