Student U

Thank you, Pamela, for being such an integral part of Student U! On this, your third anniversary, we want to celebrate you and give you a heartfelt Big Ups for being one of the bright, smiling faces that fills our community with such joy and energy.

As our Rentals Manager at The W.G. Pearson Center, Pamela is more than just a point of contact; she is the backbone that keeps us going, ensuring that everything runs smoothly—from overseeing building management & events to welcoming new staff & visitors with a warm and inviting smile.

Pamela, everyone who walks through our doors feels your dedication to creating a positive and welcoming environment. You have a special way of ensuring every student, family, and supporter feels seen, valued, and supported. Your tireless efforts to build connections and foster relationships within our community truly make a difference. Pamela, you are a source of optimism, hope, and ambition for all of us, and we are so grateful to have you as part of our journey. Here's to many more years of your inspiring presence at Student U!

At the start of Summer Academy, we provided wellness exams, including vision screenings and physicals, to our students and families! These initiatives were vital in supporting and strengthening our students' physical and mental well-being, ensuring they have the foundation to thrive in every area of their lives.

Wellness is at the heart of our community, and this summer, we focused on nurturing it through initiatives like our Teen Connections sessions. Led by trained staff from Planned Parenthood, these sessions provided a safe and supportive space where students could explore topics such as body awareness, making informed decisions, and building healthy relationships as students received training to become informal peeps educators.

During Summer Academy, our college tours were designed to inspire our students and interns, offering them a unique glimpse into higher education and helping them envision their futures with confidence. Each group explored campuses like Elon University, UNC Charlotte, and North Carolina Wesleyan University, deepening their understanding of college life and admissions requirements. These tours were transformative experiences that empowered our students to take charge of their educational journeys.

As we celebrate Lonnie's 2nd anniversary as one of our Middle School Program Coordinators, we recognize the incredible impact he's had on Student U. Starting as a student with us in 2009 and becoming a part-time employee in 2019, Lonnie has always been a guiding force, encouraging his peers and classmates as well as our current students to grow and help create a more equitable Durham.

Lonnie is truly a cornerstone of Student U, with a unique ability to connect with and support our students in a way that is both real and deeply impactful. His ability to keep it real, along with his charisma, lights up every room, and his gift for making each student, family, and staff member feel special and seen is remarkable. Whether he's MCing our summer events like Brill Bash or leading student spaces with unmatched energy, Lonnie’s voice and enthusiasm resonate throughout our community.

Driven by his belief that everyone deserves an equitable education, Lonnie's dedication to helping our students become their best selves is truly inspiring. For all you do, Lonnie, we give you Big Ups and look forward to many more years of your phenomenal leadership at Student U!

On Durham Day, our 9th and 10th graders ventured to OC Aerial an indoor facility packed with thrilling challenges. Inside, they pushed their limits on ropes courses, tackled warped walls and the ninja course, and confronted their fears with a daring 22ft high leap of faith. The adventure continued as they soared through the air on a zip line, making it a day of unforgettable team bonding and fun!

One of the standout events over the summer was our Financial Simulation, which was made possible by the generous support of the State Employees' Credit Union. In this immersive experience, students stepped into different roles as they learned firsthand about budgeting, managing salaries, handling unexpected expenses, and making significant purchases like cars and houses—all while understanding the importance of setting aside savings. By the end of the day, everyone walked away with a more profound knowledge of money management and a clearer understanding of how their decisions can significantly impact their future.

One of our core goals is to empower our students to envision limitless futures and to know that they are capable of achieving whatever they set their minds to. This summer, we brought that to life through our Career Day, where individuals from various fields shared their career journeys and offered insights into the many paths our students can explore. This event not only expanded their understanding of what's possible but also fueled their confidence and determination to chase after their passions and goals with purpose.

Central to our mission is celebrating our students' brilliance, successes, and hard work, ensuring their achievements are recognized and valued. We brought this to life this summer through events like our weekly Meet & Greet, where teachers and staff shine a spotlight on student accomplishments, and our vibrant Joy Line, which kicks off each morning of Summer Academy with energy and positivity, setting the stage for a day of learning and growth.

Join us here at Student U as our newest High School Program Coordinator! We aim to help 100% of our students graduate on time and be ready for college and/or other post-secondary options. In this role, the High School Program Coordinator will support students' academic and personal growth, working closely with students and their families. Responsibilities in this role include planning events, managing staff, creating enrichment opportunities, and building community partnerships. If you love working with high school students and believe in Student U’s mission, we'd love to have you on our team! Apply now! https://hubs.la/Q02JY6NJ0

Big Ups! to Ellen, our exceptional High School Coordinator, for her outstanding contributions to Student U! As Ellen prepares to leave our staff to return to teaching Spanish at Jordan High School, we want to express our deepest appreciation for all she has done. In her most recent role, Ellen’s primary responsibilities included planning and coordinating high school-wide events, developing innovative programs, and ensuring accurate program data management. However, Ellen has worn many hats and has supported Student U for over a decade in her multiple roles as a High School Advocate, Mentor Teacher, and working on the Curriculum Team writing the Spanish for Native Speakers curriculum.

Ellen’s meticulous planning and creative vision have brought countless enriching experiences to our students and community alike. Her leadership and dedication extended beyond the classroom as she supported our students and families, fostering strong relationships with schools and community partners. Her unwavering commitment and multifaceted role made her an invaluable asset, and her ability to juggle numerous responsibilities with grace and precision was truly inspiring.

Even though Ellen will no longer be on our staff, she will always be a part of the Student U community. Thank you, Ellen, for your hard work, passion, and lasting impact on our community. We cannot begin to show our full appreciation for everything you have done. We are incredibly grateful for all you do and wish you the best in your return to teaching!

Big Ups! to our outstanding Data Manager, Cynthia, as we celebrate her commitment and the incredible impact she has made over the past two years at Student U! With over 11 years of experience working in the Durham community and at least 7 years in education, Cynthia's dedication and expertise significantly shape how she shows up for Student U. As we mark Cynthia’s second anniversary with us, we want to recognize the hard work she puts into building and maintaining the essential infrastructure that allows our programs to flourish. Cynthia meticulously manages and prepares data, presenting it in a way that uplifts Student U to donors, parents, and the community as a whole.

Cynthia finds valuable wisdom in the advice, "Always assume the best," and her dedication to Student U stems from deeply held values that all children deserve a high-quality education regardless of their race, religion, language, or socioeconomic background. Cynthia believes that every child has the potential to be a leader when presented with opportunities and prepared with the necessary life and educational skills to do so.

We celebrate Cynthia's commitment and the incredible impact she continues to make at Student U and without her dedication and passion, we couldn’t continue to do the important work that we do.

We are thrilled to recognize Ashley's newest role as our Director of the Community Schools Model, marking yet another milestone in her outstanding journey with Student U! Ashley has been a vital part of our team for 5 years, following her impactful start with us as a teacher in 2008. She now leads our efforts to enhance students’ academic and health outcomes by implementing the community school's strategy in the Central Region of North Carolina. In her new role, Ashley will oversee the expansion of Community Schools and act as the key liaison and strategic partner between Student U and the North Carolina Community Schools Coalition.

The wisdom of her past students still profoundly influences Ashley’s leadership. One memorable piece of advice she received was, “Chill, Ms. Ashley, it’s all going to work out okay.” which Ashley still embodies to this day as she continues to make monumental changes at Student U. As we celebrate Ashley and her ongoing commitment to our mission, we look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make in our community. Big Ups! to Ashley and the exciting path ahead!

As our 2024 Summer Academy came to a close last week, we reflect with immense pride on the remarkable achievements of our entire Student U community. This summer has been a testament to the brilliance, dedication, and growth of our students. From engaging classes that sparked curiosity to inspiring workshops that fostered creativity, our students have embraced new challenges and expanded their horizons with incredible commitment.

Our heartfelt gratitude extends to our exceptional teachers and staff, whose passion and dedication have been the backbone of this summer’s success. Your unwavering commitment has created a nurturing environment where our students can thrive. Congratulations to all our students, teachers, staff, and the Durham Academy for making the 2024 Summer Academy an extraordinary journey filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories. We are deeply proud of each and every one of you and look forward to continuing this incredible journey together.

We joyously commemorate the seventh anniversary of our Director of College Readiness and Success, Bianca’s extraordinary journey with us! Bianca's dedication and innovative spirit illuminate her vital role in supporting Post-Secondary enrollment and success. She empowers college students to forge meaningful connections, conquer new challenges, and thrive within their campuses and communities. Her commitment to building robust systems ensures that our college and college-age students are equipped to lead, flourish, and make significant contributions.

Bianca fully embodies her guiding principles of valuing love and trust, believing these are the true foundations of who she is and how she navigates the world. As we celebrate Bianca's transformative impact, we eagerly anticipate many more years of her unwavering dedication and visionary leadership. Big Ups! to Bianca, the bright futures she is helping to build, and the memories we continue to create with her at Student U!

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! We were so happy that we got to celebrate and give a Big Ups! to our amazing and dedicated teachers yesterday! We were able to celebrate our summer teachers with some absolutely amazing treats from Nothing Bundt Cakes! We cannot thank our teachers enough, and just a week of celebration is not nearly enough to show our appreciation for how much they do and how much they embody what Student U works towards.

Join us at Student U as our Academic Coach to support middle and high school students. Help students build organizational and executive function skills, set and achieve academic goals, and provide tutoring support. Flexible remote work is available for up to one hour a week. Be part of a team that fosters academic excellence and college readiness. Apply now to make a meaningful impact! https://hubs.la/Q02FJKjb0

Student U aims to transform education by ensuring every student has equal access to opportunities and resources. And guess what? We're expanding our team and looking for dedicated individuals to join us in this important work!

Ready to make a real impact? Here are the opportunities we have available:

🔹 HS Advocate
🔹 MS Advocate
🔹 YRP Program Coordinator Assistant

Why join our team?
- Make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and communities.
- Collaborate with a diverse and passionate team dedicated to equity and justice.
- Grow both personally and professionally in a dynamic and supportive work environment.

You can visit https://hubs.la/Q02FJGB60 to learn more about each position and submit your application today. Together, let's build a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Big Ups to Nolan S for receiving a scholarship to and participating in Ohio University College of Fine Arts Summer Pre-College Program. Nolan immersed himself fully in the fine arts, working with faculty and visiting artists to improve his skills and techniques, hone his creative vision, and create meaningful personal work––all while living on the beautiful campus in Athens, Ohio. Check out his amazing work! We are so proud of you, Nolan!

Showcase Your Career at Our Summer Academy THIS FRIDAY!!
We invite professionals from all sectors to share their career journeys with our middle and high school students at our Summer Academy Career Day on July 12th at Durham Academy Middle School.

This event aims to inspire and empower our students to dream big about their futures. We are particularly interested in professionals from industries where marginalized groups have been historically underrepresented. Presenters are asked to prepare engaging 15-minute sessions to be delivered throughout the event.

Join us in making this summer unforgettable and impactful. Save the date and be part of a day filled with inspiration, fun, and community spirit. Register for free now and help drive change in education equity! https://hubs.la/Q02DCVLP0

Join our team as a College Success Coordinator! In this position, you will work to support second-year and upperclassmen college students, helping them navigate resources, overcome barriers, and develop their careers. Your role includes individual check-ins, campus visits, and one-on-one meetings to ensure continuous support throughout their college journey. You will also own planning and managing programs like College Clusters, Winter Retreat, and College Care Packages. Maintaining relationships with college officials and community organizations is key to supporting student retention and career development.

https://hubs.la/Q02FJK-b0

If you're passionate about empowering students and have experience in college advising, we want to hear from you! Apply now to make a significant impact on our students' futures.

Our students Valerie, Nolan, Jalen, and Lizzet had an incredible opportunity this year, participating in our Creative Arts Mentoring Program in collaboration with the The Durham Art Guild. Over an inspiring 16 weeks, they crafted stunning pieces, expanded their knowledge, and boosted their confidence through hands-on field trips and artistic exploration.

Guided by their talented CMP mentors Amanda, Freeman, Bruklyn, and Alexandria—each an accomplished artistic practitioner—they embarked on a journey of creative discovery. These mentors did more than just advise; they became compassionate role models and trusted guides, helping students navigate creative challenges and providing technical and professional insights.

Our students chose their own artistic media, conceptualized unique projects, and brought their visions to life with the mentors' support. This program has been a transformative experience, and we couldn't be prouder of our students for their dedication and incredible achievements. Their hard work and creativity have truly shone through, and we are excited to see where their artistic paths lead them next!

Vote for Student U and help us win the Charity Navigator Community Choice Award!

Round 1 for voting started today and goes through July 17th!
Cast your vote here: https://hubs.la/Q02FDDg_0

We are thrilled to announce that Student U has been nominated for a Charity Navigator Community Choice Award! With your support, we can continue to create significant positive changes in the lives of those we serve. By casting your vote, you're not just supporting us, you're championing our cause. Let's demonstrate the powerful impact we can make together! Vote now and share this post with your friends and family. Together, we can make a difference! Charity Navigator

🥪 Join us at Eastcut Sandwich Bar on July 10th for a tasty way to support Student U! On this special day, 10% of your purchase will go directly to helping our students. Just mention you're there for Student U when you order. Plus, our Advancement Intern, Mikiya, will be at the Durham location from 4-5pm. Come say hi, enjoy a delicious meal, and make a difference in our community!

For the entire month of July, Eastcut Sandwich Bar is donating proceeds to Student U when you round up your order to the nearest dollar. Don't miss out on this opportunity to support a great cause while enjoying great food!

Big Ups to Taryn M on winning 1st place in the Oratorical Contest at the James F. Wertz Oratorical Conference held at Johnson C. Smith University! Your exceptional skills and dedication have truly shone through in this remarkable achievement. We are incredibly proud of you and continue to be amazed by your many talents. Your hard work and passion for excellence inspire us all. Keep shining and setting the bar high—this is just the beginning of your amazing journey!

Last week, some of our rising senior class took time to build community and prepare for their senior year by traveling to both Cullowhee and Asheville, NC to visit Western Carolina University where they had the opportunity to explore the campus and envision their future college experience. The trip was filled with exciting activities, including white water rafting, a challenging ropes course, and horseback riding through beautiful landscapes. These adventures not only provided fun and excitement but also helped our students develop teamwork and leadership skills. We had a wonderful time working together as a team and starting to plan for their future! The bonds formed and the memories created during this trip will undoubtedly inspire and motivate our students as they embark on their senior year journeys.

Represent your industry at Career Day!

We are looking for professionals from all sectors and industries to present their careers to our middle and high school students at our Summer Academy Career Day on July 12th at the Durham Academy Middle School.

This event is meant to encourage and inspire our students to dream fearlessly about their futures. We are especially seek professionals from sectors where marginalized groups have been historically underrepresented. We ask that our presenters deliver ~15 minute presentations for our students throughout the event.

Let’s come together to make this summer unforgettable and impactful. Mark your calendars and join us for a day filled with inspiration, fun, and community spirit. Register for free now and be a catalyst for change in education equity! https://hubs.la/Q02DCxF60

We’re delighted to invite you to our Morning Brilliance Tour, a unique fundraising event dedicated to fostering transformative change in education. Join us for an inspiring morning as our remarkable students and dedicated staff share their personal stories and visions for the future. You’ll also embark on engaging tours of our vibrant classrooms, led by our enthusiastic educators, to see firsthand the exciting progress our students are making.

Be part of a community dedicated to creating lasting change in education. We look forward to seeing you there and working together to make this summer truly unforgettable.

Registration Deadline: Friday, July 12, 2024

https://hubs.la/Q02DcbK20
If you can’t make it in person, no worries – we have a virtual option too. We can’t wait to see you there!