Wildlife and nature

Animal shelters and rescues

Theater and dance

Rivers, parks and trails

Hunger and food

Schools and learning

Housing and homelessness

Community health

Mental health

Mentoring and foster care

Legal help and rights

Jobs and money help

Atlanta

The Triangle

Everywhere

The Collective Workshop

Royal Animal Refuge

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

Cobb Collaborative

Bosleys Place

Jewish Fertility Foundation

Elena Maina

Luke Carman

Ashley Peters

Ian Sheets

Michelle Norwood

Karla Victoria Fernández

Brandy Luce

Seline Szkupinski Quiroga

Megan Stanley

Jordin Foucher

Madison Hester

Lonnie Kendall

Jaia Grady

Alex Turner

Andrea Rodriguez

Shana Bellone

Carmen Valdez

Markeytta Witherspoon

Katherine Reboredo

Ron McGill

Casey Barr-Rios

Cynthia Vargas

Allie Bradford Brown

Brendalyn Thompson

Krystle Lindsey

Wendy Ji

Alyzia McAlmon

Jessica Lowder

Anastasiia Chapman

Brittany Degraffenreaidt

Brittany Parkins

Camille Logan

Cassie Harjala

Courtney Kerchner

Dannet Morales

Dwayne Bryant

Felecia Chambers

Joy Wright

Mikasa Melvin

S. Campbell

Shaq Davis

Sophia Thayer

Trinetta Walcott

Yasantaia Napoleon

Isaiah Moore

Tracey Barrett

Long reads

About

We love seeing Student U educators doing BIG things in their classrooms and communities! 👏A huge congratulations to Mr. MarQuay Spencer-Gibbs, an educator at Ligon Magnet Middle School, who was named WRAL Teacher of the Week! You might know Mr. Spencer-Gibbs from his summers as a Summer Academy teacher, his role as a former Middle School Advocate, or his work as one of our current High School Academic Coaches. We know the impact a great educator can have on a young person, and we’re so proud to see his work with students recognized and celebrated. Congratulations, Mr. Spencer-Gibbs! The entire Student U community is cheering you on. 💙 #StudentU #TeacherOfTheWeek #DurhamEducators

BIG news that’s definitely something to taco ’bout. 🌮🎉 The Taco Bell Foundation is investing $50,000 in Student U high school students! This generous grant will help provide first-generation, college-bound students with the support they need throughout high school, from tutoring and mentorship to academic guidance and resources that help them stay on track toward graduation, college, and beyond. We’re grateful to the Taco Bell Foundation for recognizing our students' brilliance and potential and choosing to invest in Durham’s next generation of leaders. $50,000. One big investment in Student Brilliance. 💙 Thank you, Taco Bell Foundation! 🌮 #StudentU #DurhamNC #StudentBrilliance

✨ Your gift could go TWICE as far for Student U students. Right now, eligible donations to Student U are being matched dollar for dollar, up to $80,000! 💛 Give $25 → it can become $50 💛 Give $50 → it can become $100 💛 Give $100 → it can become $200 How does the match work? If you’re new to giving to Student U within the past three fiscal years, your entire gift can be matched. If you already support Student U and increase your gift, the additional amount can be matched. Every gift helps Student U students access the academic support, trusted relationships, and opportunities they need to reach their goals. And right now, your generosity can have twice the impact. 🔗 Double your impact today at http://studentudurham.org/donate. #StudentU #DurhamNC #DoubleYourImpact

Our students’ Student U stories don’t end at high school graduation. One of our favorite things is following along as they build lives, explore new places, discover career paths, and make memories during their college years. And they’ve been busy! 👁️ One Student U student got a firsthand look at a future in optometry during an internship at The Ohio State University, gaining clinical experience, learning about residency opportunities and the OAT exam, and connecting with professors. 🍝 Another took learning across the Atlantic, studying abroad in Florence, Italy, where they explored Renaissance history, visited the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery, and made new friendships along the way. 🗽 And sometimes growth looks like simply experiencing something new. One student traveled to New York City with family, saw J. Cole perform at Madison Square Garden, explored the city, tried new foods, and made some pretty unforgettable memories. From internships to international adventures to new experiences with family, we love seeing where our students go and who they are becoming along the way. Swipe to catch up on their latest adventures.

🎓 Know a Future Student U Student? Help Us Spread the Word! Big dreams grow with a strong community behind them! Student U is welcoming applications from new Durham students who are ready to learn, grow, build friendships, and work toward their futures. We're looking for students who: 💙 Plan to attend or is attending a Durham Public Schools middle or high school 📚 Are currently performing at or slightly below grade level 🎓 Will be first-generation college students or qualify for free or reduced-price lunch 🤝 Have caregivers excited to partner with Student U on their educational journey At Student U, students become part of a community that believes in their brilliance, celebrates their growth, and supports them from middle school through college and beyond. Know a student or family who would thrive in our community? Share this opportunity! 📝 Apply online on our Enroll Page 🏫 Ask your DPS school counselor for an application 📍 Pick up a paper application at the W.G. Pearson Center, Monday through Thursday, 3–7 PM Help us connect more Durham students with a community that believes in their future! 💙

This is some serious Student U brilliance. 🌟Congratulations to Ms. Tracey Barrett, Social Studies teacher at Asheville High School, who has been named the 2026 North Carolina History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History! Before moving to Asheville, Ms. Barrett spent several summers as a Summer Academy teacher and many years as a High School Advocate. Ms. Barrett brings history beyond the textbook through hands-on learning and civic engagement, from Black History Walking Tours to opportunities for students to engage directly with elected officials and make their voices heard. As North Carolina’s honoree, Ms. Barrett is now a finalist for the National History Teacher of the Year! We are incredibly proud to have Ms. Barrett as part of the Student U community and even prouder to see the impact she continues to make for young people. Congratulations, Ms. Barrett! 💙 #StudentU #NCEducators #HistoryTeacher

Back-to-school season has been busy well beyond Durham. Our Community Schools partners have been welcoming students, families, educators, and neighbors back in ways that remind us that schools are more than buildings. They are part of communities. At W.B. Wicker Elementary School in Lee County, staff started the year with a community bus tour. Educators climbed aboard two buses and traveled through the neighborhoods their students call home, creating an opportunity to see the community through their students’ perspectives and have deeper conversations about the experiences families bring to school each day. In Roseboro, nearly 400 people joined the Lakewood District Community School Cookout. Food, a foam party, water from the fire trucks, and plenty of fun brought families and neighbors together to celebrate the start of another school year. And in Columbus County, our team joined the Back-to-School Event at Southeastern Community College, connecting families with resources alongside community partners, music, performances, and a fantastic turnout. Different communities, different celebrations, same big idea: when schools, families, and communities work together, students have more people and resources supporting their success.

Student U is hiring! Join a team of staff whose mission is to partner with our students, families, and educators to create a community that cultivates joy and academic excellence so all students thrive! High School Program Coordinator Application Deadline: Sept. 30 Position Overview: The High School team currently consists of two High School Program Coordinators who work collaboratively to plan, implement, and evaluate our daily programming and summer program for 200 high school students & families. The ideal candidate for this position demonstrates a passion for Student U’s mission and core values, high school students, and working collaboratively towards student success. This position reports to the Chief Program Officer. In partnership with additional Student U staff, the team implements new high school initiatives and develops ambitious goals and innovative ideas to push the high school program forward. One goal specific to this position is to grow and develop programming focused on students’ academic readiness for college. As a member of our full-time staff, the High School Program Coordinator participates in all staff meetings, professional development, and cross-departmental special projects. Apply now on our website - Go to Careers in the menu > Click on "See More Job Openings" > Select "High School Program Coordinator"

📣 We’re looking for volunteers to support Student U families at FAFSA Night! Applying for financial aid can feel overwhelming, especially for families going through the process for the first time. A little guidance and encouragement can make a big difference. FAFSA Support Night October 1, 2026 | 4:00–7:30 PM The W.G. Pearson Center We’re looking for volunteers who can help families: 🎓 Navigate the FAFSA application 📄 Understand financial aid documents and requirements 💬 Get answers to common FAFSA questions 💛 Feel supported and encouraged throughout the process Bilingual Spanish/English volunteers are especially welcome! If you have FAFSA or financial aid experience and want to help students take an important step toward college, we’d love to have you join us. 📧 Interested in volunteering? Contact partnerships@studentudurham.org. #StudentU #VolunteerDurham #CollegeAccess

Your donation could go twice as far ✌️ Right now, all donations to Student U can be matched dollar for dollar, up to $80,000. If you’re new to giving to Student U within the past three fiscal years, your entire gift can be matched. Already a supporter and increasing your gift? The amount of your increase can be matched. That means $25 can become $50. $100 can become $200. And together, those gifts add up to more opportunities and support for Student U students. Give today at http://studentudurham.org/donate. You can also give by check mailed to 600 E. Umstead http://St., Durham, NC 27701, through a Donor-Advised Fund, or with a gift of stock. Student U’s EIN is 27-3460491.

Is your child graduating from high school this year and planning to go to college or a university next fall? Now is the time to get ready for the FAFSA! FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a free form that helps you find out what money may be available to help pay for college. This can include grants, scholarships, work-study jobs, and student loans. FAFSA can feel confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. Join us for Student U FAFSA Night! Students and families can get help with the FAFSA, ask questions, and take an important step toward paying for college. October 1, 2026 | 4:00–7:30 PM The W.G. Pearson Center

Plan for what’s next at Mi Éxito, Mi Camino on October 10 from 12:30-4 p.m. Student U will be there for this FREE bilingual (English/Spanish) event for middle and high school students and their families. Connect with colleges and universities, community organizations, employers, and other resources that can help students explore their options and plan for the future. Come see us and start imagining what’s possible! 💫 Register on the Emily K Center's website - emilyk.org/camino Mi Éxito, Mi Camino is hosted by the @emilyKcenter Emily K Center’s Game Plan: Future program, in collaboration with the @thencshp North Carolina Society of Hispanic Professionals, @LatinxEd, and UNC Greensboro @uncgadmissions. #StudentU #MiExitoMiCamino #CollegeAndCareer

🚨 We have an $80,000 match to unlock, and we need your help! Right now, eligible gifts to Student U can be matched dollar for dollar, up to $80,000. That means your gift could have TWICE the impact for Student U students. 💛 $25 can become $50 💛 $50 can become $100 💛 $100 can become $200 Don’t let these matching dollars go unused. If you’re new to giving to Student U within the past three fiscal years, your entire gift can be matched. Already a supporter? Increase your gift, and we'll match your increase. Together, we can unlock the full $80,000 and turn it into even more support and opportunities for Student U students. 🔗 Give now at http://studentudurham.org/donate. #StudentU #DurhamNC #DoubleYourImpact

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🚨 We have an $80,000 match to unlock, and we need your help!