Expert, individualized guidance doesn’t just get students into college — it changes their lives.

With a 100% college acceptance and graduation rate, we’re proving that when students have the right support, their futures expand.

Named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 List in 2024!

Barrier Breakers® has a mission to increase access to and success in higher education for first-generation students and others facing barriers to education. We believe expert advising should be accessible to every student, no matter their income. That’s why our model serves students from all backgrounds: families who pay full tuition help sustain our work, making it possible for low-income students to participate at no cost.

Your support takes us one step closer to equity in higher education.

Our work doesn’t stop at an acceptance letter.

We walk with students every step of the way:

  • Academic and Admissions Advising

    Personalized 1:1 support from current and former admissions professionals.

  • Transition to School

    Guidance for the critical shift from high school or the workforce to higher education.

  • Wellness Checks Until College Graduation

    Regular touchpoints and a robust community of other students ensure they feel supported, stay on track, and graduate.

  • Local Hubs & Faith Partnerships

    Regional groups and partnerships with churches and community centers to provide wraparound care.

Learn More

Here are just some of the many schools our students have been accepted to:

Beyond College

Because of our holistic approach, our students don’t just get into college — they graduate and land jobs.

For many students, breaking barriers doesn’t end with a bachelor’s degree. We continue to support them in pursuing advanced opportunities, including graduate programs and law school — walking with them as they become the next generation of leaders.

Hear directly from our college and law school students about the impact Barrier Breakers has had on their journeys.

OUR IMPACT ☼

OUR IMPACT ☼

“Every person I’ve touched within the organization, you can tell the love and care they give for just wanting to resource their students and resource every community they touch. ”

Strengthening Local Communities of Students

Our virtual model allows us to serve students across the country no matter where they live, but we also know that deep, local engagement creates lasting change. That’s why we have developed Barrier Breakers Impact Hubs—strategic partnerships in key cities where we partner with nonprofits, schools, and community organizations.

Our vision is to expand these Impact Hubs across the country—ensuring that first-gen students have the guidance, community, and career opportunities they need to thrive.

We believe in the power of first-generation graduates!

At Barrier Breakers®, we offer free continued guidance to all our students throughout college and law school. Our founder, Sydney Montgomery, believes passionately that first-generation graduates need to be supported in order to reach their full potential professionally. You can see her TEDx talk: First-Generation Graduates Drive Business Success here!