Breakthrough Teaching Fellow

Join the 2027 Breakthrough Summer Teaching Fellowship

Help shape the next generation and your own future this summer with Breakthrough.
For almost 50 years, we have been cultivating the next wave of educators and leaders across 25 cities nationwide. Each summer, we invite driven undergraduates to teach, learn, and grow in a community built on equity and connection.

Who We Are

Breakthrough is a national network of programs committed to educational equity and student success. Our Teaching Fellows come from a wide range of majors, experiences, and identities because we believe students should see many different models of great teaching. 

Whether you aspire to work in business, medicine, engineering, public policy, education, law, technology, or the nonprofit sector, the Breakthrough Teaching Fellowship equips you with leadership and communication skills that will strengthen your future career.

What You'll Do

As a Breakthrough Teaching Fellow, you will lead classes, mentor students, and collaborate with a team of peers and experienced educators. You will receive more than 100 hours of training and coaching as you:

• Lead your own classroom of engaged Breakthrough students.
• Design engaging lessons that challenge and inspire learners.
• Coach, mentor, and build relationships with students and families.
• Collaborate with a team to create an unforgettable summer experience.
• Develop real leadership through daily decision-making, communication, and problem solving.

Each summer is a fast-paced, immersive experience that alumni often describe as the hardest and most rewarding job they have ever had.

What You’ll Gain

• Leadership experience that employers in every industry value.
• Confidence speaking, presenting, and communicating with diverse audiences.
• Experience managing projects, solving problems, and adapting in real time.
• Coaching and mentoring skills that translate to management, consulting, healthcare, law, business, nonprofits, and more.
• Professional training, personalized feedback, and mentorship.
• A paid summer experience with a living stipend.
• A nationwide network of ambitious peers committed to making an impact.

You will leave with skills that translate anywhere: education, policy, business, or any path that values purpose and teamwork.

Program Snapshot

• 25 affiliates in 23 U.S. cities
• 9-week commitment (training, teaching, and reflection)
• Full-time schedule with high collaboration and support
• Stipend, housing, and program dates vary by site

Ready to Learn More?

Want to explore what a Breakthrough summer looks like? Check out last year's Site Directory for an overview of our locations, program structure, and site-specific information. While details for Summer 2027 will be updated before applications open, most core program information remains similar from year to year, making it a great place to start.

Applications for the 2027 Breakthrough Teaching Fellowship open on October 8, 2026. In the meantime, complete our Interest Form to receive updates, reminders, and a notification as soon as the application becomes available. We can't wait to connect with you.

Additional Resources

As we prepare for the 2027 application cycle, we're updating our fellowship materials. In the meantime, the resources below provide a strong overview of the Teaching Fellowship experience. While some dates and details will be refreshed for Summer 2027, the core responsibilities, structure, and experience remain largely the same.

• Teaching Fellow Home Page – Learn more about the fellowship, our mission, and what makes the Breakthrough experience unique.
• 2026 Teaching Fellow FAQ – Find answers to common questions about eligibility, compensation, program expectations, and the application process.
• 2026 Teaching Fellow Position Description – Explore the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for Teaching Fellows. The 2027 position description will be available before applications open.