Philadelphia Impact Hub

Expanding equity through partnerships with the School District of Philadelphia

Who we serve

Philadelphia’s public school system is one of the largest in the nation, serving a diverse student population that includes many first-generation and low-income students. Barrier Breakers partners directly with the School District of Philadelphia to provide comprehensive, personalized college counseling. Our program is designed to walk alongside students every step of the way—from their junior year of high school through college graduation six years later. At the heart of the program are our advisors: former admissions officers who demystify the college process and serve as consistent mentors. We guide them through building strong college lists, writing compelling essays, securing financial aid, and making informed decisions. As part of our Outreach and Wellness Program, we continue to check in with these students for four years during college to ensure they thrive.

We are proud to be part of the expansion of the Law & Justice Mentorship Program (LJMP), a pipeline initiative launched by the School District’s Office of Strategic Partnerships and the Pepper Center for Public Service at Troutman Pepper. LJMP connects students underrepresented in the legal community to critical pre-law opportunities, mentorship, and internships with top advocacy organizations. Barrier Breakers provides biweekly college counseling to LJMP students attending Lincoln High School, ensuring that students considering legal careers have the academic, financial, and personal support to succeed in higher education.

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.

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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia partnership to ensure that first-generation students not only apply to college but thrive once they get there.