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

Student U Durham Essentials

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

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