Luci Baines Johnson and Mayor Kirk Watson Rally Support for Breakthrough Central Texas’ $30 Million Education Campaign

Breakthrough Central Texas officially launched its $30 million Pathways to Opportunity campaign on Oct. 1 with a powerful public event at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum. The campaign, the most ambitious in the organization’s 20-plus-year history, is designed to significantly expand college access and success for thousands of first-generation students across Central Texas.

Over the next five years, Breakthrough aims to admit more than 3,000 new middle and high school students into its programs, bringing the total number served to 5,500 by 2029. The campaign also sets out to reach a milestone of 1,100 first-generation college graduates by the end of the decade—three times the current number.

The new initiative will also strengthen Breakthrough’s Schoolwide Program, expanding its footprint on local high school campuses and allowing the organization’s long-term model of support to reach even more students where they are. In addition, it will create hands-on experience for 600 Summer Teaching Fellows and Student Advocacy Fellows—developing the next generation of diverse educators and community leaders.

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Breakthrough Central Texas staff at the Pathways to Opportunity public launch Oct. 1 at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum. (Photo courtesy of Breakthrough Central Texas)

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Breakthrough alumnus Jeremiah Thompson with UT Austin mascot Hook ‘Em. (Photo courtesy of Breakthrough Central Texas)

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Luci Baines Johnson hugs Texas State University mascot Boko the Bobcat. (Photo courtesy of Breakthrough Central Texas)

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Breakthrough college graduate Jabrell Scott and board of trustees member Steve Martinez. (Photo courtesy of Breakthrough Central Texas)

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Former Austin Mayor Steve Adler and current Mayor Kirk Watson. (Photo courtesy of Breakthrough Central Texas)

Empowering Austin’s next generation

To help bring the campaign to life, longtime champions Carolyn and Jack Long and Christie and Clint Bybee have pledged to match qualified contributions up to $4 million. Their commitment is meant to galvanize support from the community and amplify the campaign’s reach.

The launch event featured remarks from Luci Baines Johnson, daughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson, who highlighted education’s critical role in breaking cycles of poverty. Mayor Kirk Watson and Breakthrough alumnus Jeremiah Thompson also spoke, reinforcing the program’s impact on individual lives and the broader Austin community.

For over two decades, Breakthrough Central Texas has provided intensive, personalized support to students who will be the first in their families to graduate from college. With a model that spans more than a decade of partnership—from middle school through postsecondary graduation—the organization provides academic guidance, college counseling, and advocacy tailored to each student’s needs.

Nearly 60% of Breakthrough students graduate with a diploma or certificate, compared to just 14% of their peers from low-income communities in the region. The organization is part of Breakthrough Collaborative, a national network with 24 affiliates across the country.

To learn more or get involved in the campaign, visit their website.

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