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New Student Applications Reopen October 20th, 2025!!

We are looking for students who:

  • Rising sixth-graders who will be first-generation college graduates and/or students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.
  • Rising 7th through 11th graders who will be first-generation college graduates and/or students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. ~Spots available for each grade level may vary.
  • Students who are performing at or slightly below grade level.
  • Students who reside in Durham County and attend Durham Public Schools.
  • Students who have robust family support.

*First-generation students are students whose parents have not earned a Bachelor’s degree yet.

Applications Open Now!
Submit Your Application

Please download the appropriate form for your student:
High School Student Application

Middle School Student Application

After downloading, print the application, fill it out, and return it to us at our physical address:
The WG Pearson Center (1200 Spaulding Street) between 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, from Monday to Thursday!

Need Help Submitting Your Application?

For application questions, contact 

Karla Fernández

Director of Operations

karla.fernandez@studentudurham.org or 787-949-2954

About Student U

Student U is a community organization that uses the power of education to build a just and equitable Durham. We empower and equip first-generation college bound students in Durham Public Schools, their families, and educators to become the leaders that will transform our city. We walk with students and families from sixth grade through college graduation, providing holistic support at each step along the way. We believe our students are powerful, and this power will help us realize a Durham where all students succeed.

Programs Include:

  • Afterschool and summer enrichment programs
  • Academic skill building and tutoring
  • College preparation and advising
  • Social-emotional and academic support
  • Cultural, arts, and social enrichment activities
  • Character and leadership skill building
  • Career exploration
  • Parent and family engagement and support

How To Apply

  1. We invite you to our New Student Information Session to learn more about the program. Session details will be included in the application notification email.
  2. Complete the application. A complete application will include the following:
    1. Copy of your child’s most recent report card and most recent End of Grade test scores.
    2. One teacher recommendation. Please use form link above and share with your teacher. 
    3. Complete all pages of the student and parent/guardian questions.
    4. If your student has an IEP or 504, please submit a copy of it with your application. This must be included for a complete application.
    5. Any other pieces of your student’s identity that feel important.
  3. All application materials will be due in October 20, 2025. Incomplete or late applications may not be considered for admission into Student U.

  4. Applications can be dropped off at our building – The WG Pearson Center (1200 Spaulding Street). 

  5. Following submission student applications will be entered into a randomized lottery system. 60-65 students will be selected for Student U.

  6. Admission letters will be sent in September. All admissions decisions are final.

  7.   

Important Dates

  • October 20, 2025 – Applications Open.
  • December 3, 2025  – New Student Information Session
  • January 5, 2026  – Application Deadline.
  • February 4, 2026 – Admission letters are sent.

Learn More About Student U Program

At Student U, we believe in a Durham where all students can succeed and are working alongside students, their families, and educators to make this dream a reality. Through our time with students outside of school and our advocacy for them within their schools, students develop the academic skills and personal well-being necessary to succeed in their post-secondary endeavors and become the leaders that will transform our city for the better.

  • 5-week Summer Academy Program where students receive academic enrichment, participate in field trips, and build positive relationships with their peers.
  • Monday-Thursday after-school program (Year-Round Program) where students complete homework, develop study skills and explore extra-curricular interests in clubs.
  • Opportunity to sign up for a College Savings Account.
  • 9th-10th grade students participate in a 5-week Summer Academy program where students continue to develop academic skills through elective-based courses.
  • 11th-12th grade students participate in summer internships, SAT/ACT Prep classes, and personalized college advising.During the school year, in-school advocates check-in with students weekly to ensure they are meeting their academic and personal goals.
  • All students have the opportunities to attend tutoring, receive enrichment funds and attend college tours.
  • Students participate in summer and winter retreats to set goals and learn about time management skills, summer experiences, and other helpful topics for college students.
  • Student U’s College Success Coordinator regularly checks on student progress and connects students with campus resources.
  • Students are supported by older peers in our peer mentorship program.
  • All students and families have access to our Licensed Clinical Social Worker and wellness team, who provide a range of services that promote coping skills and healing and contribute to our community’s social and emotional health. These services include individual, group, and family counseling, and social-emotional learning for students.
  • Students and families also have access to our Director of Academic Support and learning team, who work with individual students and their support teams to brainstorm and implement additional academic support, and support students and families as they navigate IEP/504 processes in school.
  • Student U has deep relationships with the families of its students through regular communication and family-oriented programming. Our Family Engagement Coordinator and a team of Family Advocates offer family programming on topics such as health (physical, social, emotional), community building and fun, and advocacy in education, parenting, and finances. This team manages our Family Support Fund, food and school-supply drives, and Holiday Gift Exchange while also connecting families to community resources.
Contact Us

Learn more about Student U and about our programming or your application by reviewing the information session presentation.

View presentation

our community stories

The brilliance and successes of Student U’s community

The Kendall Family

Elijah & Ethan

Elliot & Taryn

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Student Recruitment Info Session