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 support students across five high-impact career pathways — law, healthcare, business & finance, STEM & engineering, and environmental & sustainability careers — from high school through college and beyond. Data shows that these career pathways lead to the highest upward mobility and economic stability for first-generation and low-income students.
We believe expert advising should be accessible to every student, no matter their income. That’s why our model serves students from all backgrounds, even if they don’t identify as first-generation: families who pay full tuition help sustain our work, making it possible for low-income and first-generation students to participate at no cost. Through expert advising, mentorship, wellness support, and corporate partnerships, we help students not only access higher education, but graduate, thrive, and step confidently into their careers.
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:
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1:1 College Admissions Advising
Personalized 1:1 support from current and former admissions professionals.
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Mentorship & Industry Exposure
All students are paired with an industry mentor as well as opportunities with corporations to strengthen their career network.
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Wellness Checks During College & Graduate School
Regular touchpoints and a robust community of other students ensure they feel supported, stay on track, and graduate.
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Graduate School Advising
Guidance for the next step on their career pathway. Provided in-house for law school admissions or through our referral partners for Medical, Business, or other graduate schools.
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 move confidently into their careers.
For many students, breaking barriers doesn’t stop with a bachelor’s degree. We continue walking with them as they explore next steps, clarify their goals, and pursue advanced opportunities — including graduate and professional programs — when the time is right.
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!