Miami Impact Hub

Expanding equity through partnerships in Miami

Who we serve

Barrier Breakers partners with Cristo Rey Miami High School, a college preparatory school that empowers students from families with limited financial means by integrating rigorous academics with real-world work experiences.

Through this partnership, we provide comprehensive, personalized college counseling designed to walk alongside students from their junior year of high school through college graduation. Our advisors—former admissions officers and counselors—demystify the college process and serve as consistent mentors. They guide Cristo Rey students in applying to competitive summer programs and internships, writing compelling admissions essays, applying for scholarships, and making confident enrollment decisions.

As part of our Outreach and Wellness Program, we remain connected with these students throughout college, providing check-ins, persistence coaching, and wraparound community support to ensure they thrive and graduate.

What We Do

  • 1:1 College Advising

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

  • Transition to College

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

  • Support through College Graduation

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

  • Community Partnerships

    Collaboration with the Philadelphia School District, Law and Justice Mentorship Program, local churches, law firms, and other local nonprofits.

Current and Past Supporters

  • City National Bank of Florida

  • Cristo Rey Miami

Outcomes and Impact

But beyond the numbers, the transformation is personal and lasting. Students gain the confidence to see themselves as leaders. Families gain clarity and peace of mind navigating a complex system. And Miami gains a stronger, more diverse pipeline of graduates ready to reinvest their skills into the community.

Barrier Breakers® has a proven record of success:

  • 100% college acceptance rate for our students to date

  • 100% persistence to sophomore year (vs. 74% nationally)

  • 100% six-year graduation rate (vs. 28% nationally for low-income students)

For Cristo Rey students, we expect:

  • Each participant to complete at least 12–15 one-on-one sessions annually

  • 90% of students to submit 10+ strong applications with comprehensive financial aid strategies

  • Nearly all to matriculate and graduate from college within six years

Become a Founding Sponsor

Your generosity can be life-changing. It costs Barrier Breakers® $2,000 per student to provide two years of comprehensive college counseling. Become a Founding Sponsor of our Miami partnership to ensure that first-generation students not only apply to college but thrive once they get there.