High School Placement Fellowship (Fall 2026)

ABOUT BREAKTHROUGH NEW YORK Breakthrough New York empowers motivated students from low-income communities to achieve a college degree and reach their fullest potential. Our tuition-free program supports over 500 students and their families from 7th grade through college. We accept middle school students who are furthest from high-quality educational opportunities yet show promise and potential: 99% of students identify as persons of color; 76% qualify for free or reduced lunch; and 66% will be the first in their families to graduate college. As a ten-year program, Breakthrough New York supports students and their families through key transition points in their academic journeys. We provide academic enrichment through summer and after-school opportunities; coach students to gain admissions into selective high schools and colleges, and expose students to diverse interests and careers so they can shape their own trajectories. In addition to nurturing individual talent, we cultivate a thriving community of like-minded peers and mentors who encourage each other’s ambitions and passions. Personalized mentorship and holistic support are signature elements of our model, with over 200 near-peer seasonal staff and volunteers who work with students at each stage of our continuum. The Breakthrough model works: 94% of Breakthrough students enroll in college preparatory high schools, and 97% are on track to graduate from college in four-six years. Learn more at Breakthrough New York's website . ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP The High School Placement Fellowship is a hands-on, professional development opportunity for college students, graduate students, and early-career professionals who are passionate about educational equity and student success. Fellows will mentor a cohort of 8th-grade students as they navigate the high school admissions process. Through direct teaching, application guidance, family communication, and one-on-one mentorship, fellows will help students meet key milestones and make informed decisions about their high school options. This hybrid fellowship includes in-person programming twice per week, virtual student support, training, and regular supervision. All lessons and materials are provided and aligned with the Breakthrough New York High School Placement curriculum. EXPERIENCE AND RESPONSIBILITIES Fellowship Experience & Responsibilities Student Mentorship and Application Support Fellows will: Mentor a caseload of 8th-grade students through all aspects of the high school application process Draft and send weekly emails with students and families to track progress and offer guidance Check-in with students remotely over zoom, as needed Support students in: Meeting BTNY application milestones and deadlines Preparing for interviews and school visits Drafting, editing, and refining application essays and parent statements Ensure completion of all components of high school applications Hold students accountable for their deliverables and commitments Program Operations and Data Management (30%) Fellows will: Document student interactions, check-ins, and application progress in Salesforce and other program tools. Participate actively in fellowship training and supervision. Collaborate with Breakthrough New York staff and fellow cohort members to provide consistent, high-quality support to students and families. Professional Learning & Support Throughout the fellowship, fellows will receive ongoing professional development and coaching, including: Orientation and training Weekly one-on-one supervision Professional development workshops Skill-building in facilitation, teaching, mentorship, relationship-building, and professional communication Opportunities to strengthen writing, editing, organization, and family-engagement skills Letters of recommendation upon successful completion of the fellowship SCHEDULE AND QUALIFICATIONS Fellowship Schedule In-person programming: Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:00-7:00 PM Fellowship term: September 2026-December 2026 Estimated commitment: up to 25-28 hours per week Mandatory event dates: September 12, September 19, October 3, and December 12 Program sites: Queens: Forte Prep High School, 7802 Queens Boulevard Manhattan: The Town School, 540 East 76th Street, New York, NY 10021 Who Should Apply: Ideal fellows are: Available to fully commit to the Fall 2026 fellowship term, including training and weekly responsibilities. Highly organized, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple student timelines. Strong writers and editors who can support students with personal statements and application materials. Comfortable using Google Drive, Microsoft Office, and learning new platforms, such as Salesforce. Clear, compassionate communicators who advocate for students and families. Current or former college students, graduate students, or young professionals with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Committed to Breakthrough New York’s core values: social justice, community-driven work, principled leadership, lifelong learning, and going all in for students. COMPENSATION High School Placement Assistants will be compensated with a $6,000 stipend for the duration of the role divided equally in bi-weekly payments