We’ll see you April 17-19, 2026!
The Break into College Conference is a free, three-day virtual event created to help students and families make informed, confident decisions about college. With expert-led sessions on everything from affording college and understanding different types of schools, to navigating the process with learning differences, applying to specialized programs like engineering, arts, business, or international schools, and even pursuing nontraditional paths like ROTC or community college—we’re committed to making the college journey more transparent and achievable for all.
Every student deserves a clear path to college!
IN 2025, we had over 2,300 registrants for our free online conferences!
We encourage you to attend the events that interest you most!
Opening Session & Keynote Speaker
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET
Mock Admissions Panel |
7:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. ET
Opening Session & Discussion of the Changing Landscape in College Admissions
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
What Goes into a Strong College Application |
12:15 - 1:15 p.m. ET
Founder & Executive Director of Barrier Breakers®
Sydney Montgomery, Esq.
College Fair |
1:30 - 4:30 p.m. EST
Meet 1:1 with admissions reps from colleges across the country.
COMING SOON: View the full list of colleges attending and read more about their offerings.
Navigating College Admissions With ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, or Other Learning Differences
4:45 - 5:30 p.m. ET
Understanding Different Types of Colleges: Large Research Universities, Small Liberal Arts Schools, Regional State Schools, and Everything in Between
5:45 - 6:45 p.m. ET
Playing Sports in College: D1 v. D2 v. D3 and How to Get Recruited
7:00 - 7:45 p.m. ET
Opening Session & How to Afford College: Scholarships, Financial Aid, & More
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. EST
How to Succeed on the SAT or ACT Exam (and Knowing When/If to Test)
12:15 - 1:00 p.m. EST
College Application Resource Fair (+ giveaways!)
1:15 - 3:45 p.m. ET
Meet 1:1 with reps from:
Test prep companies
Executive functioning coaches
Admissions consultants
College essay coaches
Access Organizations
and more!
Free Pathways to a Degree: Different Community College Programs, ROTC, and More
4:00 - 5:00 p.m. EST
Applying to Engineering Programs
5:15 - 6:00 p.m. EST
Applying to Undergradate Business Programs
5:15 - 6:00 p.m. EST
Applying to Visual or Performing Arts Programs
5:15 - 6:00 p.m. EST
Applying to Engineering Programs
6:00 - 6:45 p.m. EST
Applying to STEM Programs and Accelerated BS/MD Programs
6:00 - 6:45 p.m. EST
Applying to Visual and Performing Arts Programs
6:00 - 6:45 p.m. EST
Applying to College From a Homeschool or Online School Program
6:45 - 7:30 p.m. EST
Applying to Computer Science Programs
6:45 - 7:30 p.m. EST
Applying to International Programs
6:45 - 7:30 p.m. EST
Closing Session ||||
7:30-7:45 p.m. EST
Founder & Executive Director of Barrier Breakers®
Sydney Montgomery, Esq.
Our free conference includes:
✔ Expert advice from admissions deans, officers, and professionals in the field
✔ An Application Resource Fair with the chance to win SAT/ACT prep courses, exclusive discounts, and scholarships
✔ A College Fair with a chance to meet one-on-one with a variety of college reps from across the country
✔The opportunity to get your questions answered live
✔ Virtual networking spaces to meet with other attendees and panelists
✔ Exclusive giveaways and promotions from Barrier Breakers® and our sponsors
✔ And more!
Have questions or want to get involved in our 2026 conference? Send an email to conference@barrier-breakers.org!
Interested in sponsoring this event?
Learn how your organization can get in front of thousands of high school students and parents, all while helping us fund our Barrier Breakers College Scholars Program, helping first-generation and low-income students access college for free.
If you have questions about sponsorships, reach out to conference@barrier-breakers.org.
Thank you to our valuable sponsors for making this free event possible!