Student U.
Student U is
an academic summer program and intensive mentoring program for students
enrolled in Durham Public Schools. The mission of Student U is to
empower students in the Durham Public Schools to take ownership of
their education by developing the academic and personal skills they
need to realize their full potential in school and beyond.
Students are recommended by their teachers and are selected based on an intensive
screening process. Student U welcomed its first class of 50 students and 16 teachers
in the summer of 2007. Currently, Student U works with 200 students from the
Durham Public Schools and 36 college-age teachers, along with a team of advisors
and mentors. In the summer of 2010, Student U will enroll 250 6th through 10th
graders.
The program also serves as a recruitment tool for future educators. It helps
to shape great educators through the intensive training and faculty support provided
to teachers during the summer. Teachers for the program are college undergraduates
or recent graduates from UNC-Chapel Hill, DUKE, NC State and NCCU from all program
areas. Mentor teachers are Durham Public School and Durham Academy school teachers
who provide support and supervision for college undergraduate teachers.
Assessment (based on evaluation after first three years of the program):
Community Learning Centers of Durham
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers are afterschool programs that are located at the public housing communities in Durham, NC. The 21st Century Community Learning Center program is a partnership between Durham Public Schools, the Durham Housing Authority, the Durham YMCA, Durham Parks and Recreation, NCCU, and various faith-based organizations. The programs provide summer and after school enrichment and academic tutoring for students living in five designated housing developments serving more than 200 students. DPS support includes assistance with identifying teachers to tutor students, identifying computer-based literacy programs and printed materials, and providing nutritious snacks.
Program activities have been designed to improve student academic achievement, reduce discipline referrals and suspensions, and improve students' self-esteem and attitudes towards school. The Community Learning Center can result in increased school attendance, better grades, more positive behaviors and relationships, and the knowledge that they can succeed and graduate from school.
Another component of the program is parental involvement. Broad parent participation is encouraged through planned family activities, assistance with navigating through school and community resources, and planned health promotion and wellness activities that increase student attendance and support healthy behaviors.
Program Goals
- Increase academic performance
- Increase school attendance
- Increase more positive behaviors and relationships
- Increase beliefs and knowledge that they (all students)can succeed and graduate from high school
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