Jaia Grady

Student U Middle School Program Coordinator

email: jaia.grady@studentudurham.org

Jaia's primary responsibilities are to plan, implement and evaluate our daily year-round after-school and summer program for middle school students and families. She provides direct services during out-of-school time and advocates for students and families within schools. She ensures our students develop the academic skills and personal well-being needed to succeed in their schools and beyond.

Jaia's Why:
I believe all students, despite their current state, are capable of dreaming fearlessly to achieve much greatness. Being an alumni and working in various positions at Student U, I enjoy inspiring students to create future leaders in Durham and maybe even at Student U. 

Jaia outside of Student U:
I have always lived in or around Durham all my life. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have a pet bunny, Bentley, that I love like a son. My favorite sport is basketball, with baseball sneaking right behind it, GO DURHAM BULLS! I enjoy being out in nature, taking a walk, hiking a mountain, or just relaxing. I love to plan parties and events, as well as arts and crafts.

Advice Jaia finds valuable:
“It Takes a Village” Student U was a part of that village that helped inspire and mold me to the leader I am today. I look forward to being a part of the village for Durham’s next leaders.

Colleges:
I graduated from Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School, located at North Carolina Central University’s campus. I attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Course of study:
Elementary Education

Other organizations Jaia is involved with:
I serve on the Education & Youth Grant Advisory Committee with Triangle Community Foundation.

Professional Accomplishments:
Instructional Assistant of the Year at Merrick-Moore Elementary School 

Student U start date:
August 15, 2022 (started as a student in June 2010!)