Named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 List in 2024!
Barrier Breakers® is dedicated to increasing access to and success in higher education for first-generation students (those who do not have at least one parent who attended college traditionally in the United States) and others facing barriers to education. These students often face unique challenges in navigating higher education.
We work with students of all socioeconomic backgrounds, providing expert college and law school advising. However, thanks to generous donations, we are able to offer free support to low-income students, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of higher education access and success.
Our Approach: High-Touch Holistic Support
Founded by Sydney Montgomery, a first-generation graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, our high-touch advising model ensures that students receive long-term, consistent mentorship through virtual and in-person engagement. We work with students not only on their academic and career goals but also on their socioemotional, financial, and personal growth—including space for spiritual reflection as it relates to their long-term goals, welcoming students of all faiths and those without. Our commitment extends beyond admissions—we continue to support students through college, law school, and their careers.
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. ”
Your support takes us one step closer to equity in higher education.
Here are just some of the many schools our students have been accepted to:
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 are developing 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!