Year-Round Programming: A Year of Growth, Service, and Community

At Student U, learning extends beyond the classroom. While academic excellence remains at the heart of our work, we also believe that students thrive when they have opportunities to build relationships, explore new experiences, and have fun along the way. Through after-school tutoring, field trips, family engagement opportunities, and professional development, year-round programming helps students discover their strengths and grow both inside and outside the classroom.

As Programming Managers for middle and high school students, Jaia Grady and Korinna Edwards work hard to ensure students get the most out of their Student U experience. Jaia described the 2025–2026 school year as “engaging, busy, and warm.” As in any school year, students and educators faced challenges, but our students remained resilient and determined.

This year, Student U emphasized attendance tracking to ensure students remained connected to tutoring sessions and other opportunities. By staying engaged, students are better set up for long-term success. Student U also strives to meet students where they are. Even when students were unable to attend in-person programming, staff checked in via virtual meetings and tutoring sessions. Virtual conferences also provided students with opportunities to discuss their goals and plans in a supportive environment.

Inclement winter weather brought school closures and routine disruptions, which can sometimes lead to setbacks. However, our students rose to the challenge. They worked hard to improve their grades in quarter three and remained committed to achieving their goals despite the obstacles.

The success of this school year would not have been possible without the dedicated teachers and programming staff. Throughout the year, staff built intentional relationships with students and created spaces where they felt supported both academically and personally. Additional homework rooms were opened to give students more opportunities to complete assignments, ask questions, and connect with their peers. 

Family engagement remained an important part of programming as well. Family cooking classes gave students and loved ones the chance to learn practical skills while spending time together. Substance abuse prevention sessions created safe and familiar spaces where students could ask difficult questions and participate in important conversations. Thanks to generous donations and community support, Student U also purchased two mini-buses to assist with after-school transportation, helping ensure students can continue participating in programming.

Beyond academics, students had opportunities to learn through service and fun. One group of middle school students volunteered at the Diaper Bank of North Carolina, where they wrapped more than 9,000 diapers for babies in need. Through experiences like these, students learn the value of giving back and making a difference in their community. Students also explored their future through college visits. Members of the Class of 2026 had the opportunity to visit campuses such as Wake Forest University and North Carolina Central University during the college application process. These visits help students see themselves in new spaces and consider the paths available to them after high school. 

Of course, year-round programming is also about creating joy and building friendships. Whether spending an afternoon bowling with friends over pizza and snacks or participating in enrichment activities, students had opportunities to strengthen relationships and make memories.

Community is at the center of everything we do at Student U. Last fall, families gathered for Fall Fest, an event featuring games, face painting, a potluck, and opportunities for parents to learn more about programming. In March, we welcomed rising sixth graders and their families during New Student Orientation, helping them become familiar with Student U before Summer Academy begins. These events mark the beginning of relationships that last for years.

As Jaia Grady shared, Student U is a family. That sense of family is evident in every tutoring session, field trip, family event, and celebration throughout the year. We are grateful to our students and families for allowing us to walk alongside them each day. As we prepare for Summer Academy 2026, we look forward to continuing to grow, learn, and strengthen our bonds as a Student U family.

Year-Round Programming Blog Post by Amy Hyde

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