Fifth annual event featuring a keynote address from the Honorable Cory A. Booker, Mayor of Newark, New Jersey. The Democratic Leadership Council has named Cory Booker in the “top 100 to watch,” Time magazine labeled him “the savior of Newark,” and Oprah Winfrey affirms that he is a young mayor with the “tenacity to truly make a difference.” Booker has demonstrated his commitment to education by serving as trustee on many boards, including the Black Alliance for Educational Options, Columbia University Teachers College, North Star Academy and Stanford University. Like Breakthrough, Cory has an ambitious agenda for change that is mission-driven and results-oriented. Additional speakers include Breakthrough students and teachers who will share their experiences.

Honorary chairs are civic and business leaders Leigh and Bill Matthes, Susan and Bill Oberndorf, and Susy and Jack Wadsworth.

Funds raised will support Breakthrough’s mission to increase educational opportunity for high-potential, low-income middle school students and inspire a diverse group of college and high school students to pursue careers in education.