Our vision:

Student U is a nonprofit dedicated to creating a more equitable education system, so that every student in Durham can succeed.

Our why:

Everyone deserves opportunities in their educational journey that enable them to reach their full potential. Sadly, this isn’t the reality for many. Structural racism, intergenerational poverty, and other injustices create major obstacles for individuals and entire communities across the U.S., including here in Durham, N.C.

Our mission:

Empower and equip first-generation college students in Durham Public Schools, their families, and educators to become the leaders that will transform our city.

Our vision:

Student U is a nonprofit dedicated to creating a more equitable education system, so that every student in Durham can succeed.

Our why:

Everyone deserves opportunities in their educational journey that enable them to reach their full potential. Sadly, this isn’t the reality for many. Structural racism, intergenerational poverty, and other injustices create major obstacles for individuals and entire communities across the U.S., including here in Durham, N.C.

Our mission:

Empower and equip first-generation college students in Durham Public Schools, their families, and educators to become the leaders that will transform our city.

OUR APPROACH

SUPPORTING OUR STUDENTS' BRILLIANCE

We support students and their families inside and outside of school, helping them overcome challenges to reach college graduation. At the same time, we work to improve the public education system by sharing successful strategies with schools and educators and building a strong community at The W.G. Pearson Center, aiming for a better future for our youth.

We provide holistic support to 500 first-generation college-bound students and their families in Durham from middle school through college graduation. Our program boasts a 100% high school graduation rate and a 55% college graduation rate.

Empowering Students Through
Direct Support

We collaborate with schools, educators, and other community partners to share successful practices for creating joyful and equitable learning environments. We're leading the adoption of the full-service community school model across central North Carolina, helping more than 2,250 students thrive.

Building Leaders in Education to
Drive Systemic Change

We build a collaborative community and affirming spaces at the historic WG Pearson Center, positively impacting youth outcomes and collectively serving over 25,000 families across North Carolina.

Learn More About The W.G. Pearson Center

Changing Communities at The W.G. Pearson Center Through Collective Impact

OUR IMPACT

The core of Student U’s work is our 11-year pipeline of services, walking with students and their families in out-of-school-time from 6th grade to college graduation and providing holistic wrap-around support at each step of the way. Students who stay in our programming from start to finish, have outstanding outcomes.

ACTIVE
STUDENTS
0

Each year we support
up to 500 students.

HIGH SCHOOL
GRADUATES
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100% of our students graduate high school.

COLLEGE
GRADUATES
0

46% of our students graduate college in 6 years or less.

OUR COMMUNITY STORIES

The brilliance and successes of Student U’s community
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The Kendall Family

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Elijah & Ethan

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Elliot & Taryn

CONNECT

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