Our why:

Only 11% of low-income, first-generation students—compared to 55% of continuing-generation students earn a bachelor’s degree within six years of enrolling.

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 work:

We walk with students and their families in out-of-school-time from 6th grade to college graduation and provide holistic wrap-around support at each step of the way.

Our vision:

A Durham where all students succeed.

Our why:

Only 11% of low-income, first-generation students—compared to 55% of continuing-generation students earn a bachelor’s degree within six years of enrolling.

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 work:

We walk with students and their families in out-of-school-time from 6th grade to college graduation and provide holistic wrap-around support at each step of the way.

Our vision:

A Durham where all students succeed.

OUR APPROACH

SUPPORTING OUR STUDENTS' BRILLIANCE

Our approach focuses on uplifting communities and combines three key elements to achieving a Durham where all students succeed.

We take a whole-families approach to college access and success programming, which means that we consider everything that affects a student’s ability to show up fully and reach their potential. We provide intergenerational services and support to students and guardians over an 11-year pipeline.

WHOLE-FAMILIES
APPROACH

We are constantly growing and evolving in our best practices in working with first-generation college students, and we make sure those insights are accessible to Durham Public Schools, practitioners, and other key stakeholders.

SHARING OUR
BEST PRACTICES

We support student- and family-led advocacy and change efforts in our city with strategic partnerships that help parents and students develop the skills they need to shape their futures.

STUDENT & FAMILY-
LED ADVOCACY

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.

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ACTIVE
STUDENTS

Each year we support
up to 500 students.

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HIGH SCHOOL
GRADUATES

100% of our students graduate high school.

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COLLEGE
GRADUATES

55% 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

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