About Student u
Student U: Empowering First-Generation College Students in Durham
Student U is a community organization that is dedicated to using the power of education to build a just and equitable Durham. The organization empowers and equips first-generation college students in Durham Public Schools, their families, and educators to become the leaders that will transform our city for the better. Together, they are creating a Durham where all students succeed.
Founded in 2007 by Dan Kimberg and Alexandra Zagbayou, Student U has been working tirelessly to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged students in Durham. The founders recognized that many first-generation college students lacked access to resources and support systems needed for academic success. They also realized that these students often faced systemic barriers such as poverty, racism, and discrimination.
To address these challenges, Student U provides comprehensive support services that help students navigate the complex world of higher education. These services include academic tutoring, mentoring programs, college readiness workshops, financial aid assistance, career counseling services among others.
One of the unique aspects of Student U's approach is its focus on building strong relationships between educators and families. The organization recognizes that parents play an essential role in their children's academic success but may lack knowledge about how best to support them through high school graduation and beyond.
To bridge this gap between parents/educators/students' relationship with each other; Student U offers family engagement programs designed to empower parents with information about their child's education journey while also providing them with tools they need to advocate for their children effectively.
Another critical aspect of Student U's work is its commitment to social justice advocacy. The organization believes that access to quality education should be a fundamental right for all individuals regardless of race or socioeconomic status. To this end; it works closely with local policymakers advocating for policies aimed at reducing educational disparities within communities across North Carolina.
In addition; Student U has established partnerships with several universities across North Carolina such as Duke University UNC Chapel Hill among others which offer scholarships specifically targeted towards first-generation college-bound high school graduates from low-income backgrounds who have participated in its program successfully.
Overall; Student U has made significant strides towards achieving its mission over the years by empowering hundreds of first-generation college-bound high school graduates from low-income backgrounds through comprehensive support services tailored towards meeting their unique needs while also advocating for policies aimed at reducing educational disparities within communities across North Carolina.
In conclusion; if you're looking for an organization committed not only providing comprehensive support services tailored towards meeting your unique needs but also advocating policies aimed at reducing educational disparities within communities across North Carolina then look no further than student u!