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New Student Full Enrollment Applications Open October 20, 2026

We are looking for students who:

  • Rising 6th-11th graders who are first-generation college graduates and/or students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
  • 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.

Click Here To Get Notification When Applications Open
Submit Your Application

Families have two options to submit applications a Google form or pick up a print application at The WG Pearson Center

Fill Out Your Application

WG Pearson Center
1200 Spaulding Street

Monday – Thursday, 2:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Need Help Submitting Your Application?

For application questions, contact 

Andrea Rodriguez

Associate Director of Family Engagement

andrea.rodriguez@studentudurham.org or 919-679-1998

About Student U

Student U is a nonprofit that uses the power of education to build a just and equitable Durham. We are students, families, and educators cultivating joy and academic excellence in learning communities so all students thrive in Durham and beyond. In our enrollment programming, 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.
  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 on February 1, 2027. 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. On February 12, 2027, student applications will be entered into a randomized lottery system with the goal of admitting 75 rising sixth-grade students and filling open spots for current grades sixth through eleventh.

  6. Admission notifications will be emailed on February 12, 2027. All admissions decisions are final. We will share the deadline to accept a spot via email.

Important Dates

  • October  – Applications Open.
  • December  – New Student Information Session
  • February 1st – Application Deadline.
  • February 12th  – Admission letters are sent.

Apply Today

Applications due February 1, 2027
Submit Your Application

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