poor college student with 1995 chev lunima car.  Both break lights do
not work, however the
upper stop light in the back window does work.  Fuses and bulbs appear
to be ok.  Any idea where to look for the problem

Hi,
A possible cause is earth (ground) fault. Look for ground wires
originating from the light cluster, a wire/s will be fastened to the
chasis in the area of the light cluster. The wire/s may appear to be
fastened securely to the chasis, but may be providing a poor
electrical contact. Take off and clean and refix.
hope this helps.

Grounds are indeed often the problem. If that doesn't do it, there is
a brake light sensor/switch that is activated by the brake pedal. On
older cars it is clearly visible if you stick your head down there
under the brake pedal, but on newer cars I'm not sure what kind of set
up there is for activiating the brake lights. But you could look into
that possibility. Good luck!