Anderson was nine when he came to San Francisco from Guatemala. Learning English was just one of the challenges he faced. Attending Breakthrough, however, eased his transition, dramatically increasing his academic skills. The program also encouraged him to think differently about the future; his goal now is to earn a college scholarship. “After Breakthrough everything started going well,” Anderson says. “I want to go to college because no one in my family has gone. I’ll be the first one.”

Students like Anderson are direct beneficiaries of AT&T’s corporate philanthropy. The telecommunications company recently invested $50,000 in Breakthrough’s two San Francisco locations, at San Francisco Day School and University High School. A key supporter of Breakthrough since 2009, AT&T has for years ranked at or near the top of the San Francisco Business Times’ Bay Area corporate philanthropy list. On a national level, the company has committed $100 million over four years toward the educational attainment of America’s youth through its “Aspire” initiative, one of the largest corporate commitments of its kind, as it seeks to create a prepared workforce for tomorrow’s “possibility economy.”

These philanthropic dollars translate into additional learning opportunities. At Breakthrough, students receive four hours of intensive academic instruction daily throughout the summer, coupled with enrichment classes and personalized tutoring during the school year. Breakthrough students regularly make a full school year’s worth of academic progress in literacy, and six months of progress in math, over the course of the six-week summer program. In addition, college visits, outdoor education trips, and other special opportunities help students set their sights higher than ever.

AT&T is also investing in tomorrow’s leaders in an even more direct fashion. For the past two summers, the company has hosted Breakthrough students at its offices in downtown San Francisco. Students tour the workplace; eat lunch with senior executives; and hear from various employees about their jobs and the kinds of education needed to get there.

“At AT&T, we are committed to supporting education, and proud of our partnership with Breakthrough,” said Ken McNeely, President of AT&T California. “The program has such an incredible impact on students’ lives, today and long into their futures.  And, it’s not just youth who benefit from Breakthrough. The energy and insight that the students bring to our offices when they visit are always a highlight for me and my staff!”

Breakthrough salutes AT&T for its investment in young people, both in San Francisco and nationally.

Breakthrough extends sincere thanks to the Giants Community Fund, which has generously supported our summer literacy programming.

Breakthrough was one of four grant recipients recognized at a pre-game ceremony on August 7 – Education Day at AT&T Park – along with California Poets in the Schools, Jamestown Community Center, and Super Stars Literacy. The Community Fund also awarded the Harmon and Sue Burns Scholarship to ten high school graduates with long-standing track records in academics, athletics, and community service.

Three Breakthrough participants (pictured below) braved the winds that day to witness the Giants rebound after three straight losses to Philadelphia. Tim Lincecum went seven and two-thirds innings before exiting to a standing ovation; closer Brian Wilson came on for the final three outs. For the students and their teacher, the game was a fitting celebration after two months of hard work. One of the students, a Bayview resident, passed AT&T Park each day en route to Breakthrough this summer – but, before August 7, had never been inside.

We deeply appreciate the Giants’ commitment to young people. For more on the Community Fund, please visit www.jrgiants.org.