Student U

Today, we are raising our glasses again to celebrate Korinna Edwards and the two years of dedication and love she’s poured into Student U. Over the last two years as our High School Program Coordinator, Korinna has been a driving force behind our students' success, ensuring they have the tools and support to reach their dreams. Korinna’s work goes beyond day-to-day responsibilities. She provides guidance, advocacy, and encouragement, lighting the path to a brighter future for every student she interacts with. Whether overseeing advocates and students, working with the tutor coordinator, or helping plan Summer Academy, Korinna ensures that obstacles become stepping stones for our students' growth and success. Here's to many more years of incredible memories, Korinna! Big Ups to you for your relentless commitment to Student U, and thank you for helping us with #EmpoweringStudents, #BuildingLeaders, and #ChangingCommunities!

Throughout the school year, we have the privilege of working with our students in Year-Round Programming(YRP). In just the first three weeks of Fall 2024 YRP, we’ve shared countless smiles and set a strong, positive tone for the rest of the year. Whether it's in our virtual or in-person tutoring with high school students or regular YRP sessions with middle school students, the energy in our community and at the W.G. Pearson Center is infectious. As always, it is an absolute joy to see our students walk through our doors each day. A big shoutout to our dedicated advocates, students, staff, and the entire Student U community! #EmpoweringStudents #BuildingLeaders #ChangingCommunities

The Education Attainment Summit was a pivotal event designed to foster connections within our educational community and ensure every voice was heard, especially those often overlooked. Our mission was to guide individuals from school to meaningful employment by providing the knowledge and resources to achieve their career goals. Last week at Durham Tech, the summit brought together decision-makers, nonprofit leaders, and K-12 leadership to develop clear pathways from high school to post-secondary education and the job market. Through collaboration, we bridged the gap between talent producers and employers, highlighting the value of community colleges and alternative career pathways like certifications and job training. The summit’s positive outcomes included statewide expansion, corporate investment, and community empowerment. By 2034, we aim for all Durham Public Schools (DPS) seniors to graduate with a clear post-secondary plan and for 25% to earn a diploma, degree, or certification. The event helped lay the groundwork for lasting impact and opportunity in our community! Thank you to all of our steadfast supporters who attended this monumental event! Big Ups to all of the individuals and organizations who helped lead and facilitate this summit. #EmpoweringStudents #BuildingLeaders #ChangingCommunities

Let's all give a ‘Big Ups’ to Wendy Ji, one of the newest additions to the Student U community. When she joined our community as Student U’s Associate Director of Student & Family Services for Community Schools, Wendy hit the ground running in supporting our Community School Coordinators in connecting with varying support services and programs. She embodies her passion for supporting students and families, believing healthy students learn better. Wendy is dedicated to her mission of bridging connections between students, families, schools, and communities, and she's set her goals on creating a more equitable future in education. With her expertise, she is already making a significant impact as she supports and strengthens our Family Resource Centers. Welcome, Wendy! We can’t wait to see all the monumental changes you will help us achieve. #EmpoweringStudents #BuildingLeaders #ChangingCommunities

Marking Casey’s seventh anniversary as our Finance & HR Manager, we’re reminded of the depth of her relationship with Student U, which stretches back to her days as a member of our very first cohort of students in 2007. Her journey from student to full-time leader at Student U reflects her personal growth and her lasting impact on our community. After working part-time with us in 2014, she officially joined our team seven years ago and has been a cornerstone ever since. Casey Barr Rios' expertise extends beyond numbers. She is the steady hand behind our operations, ensuring everything runs seamlessly for our students and programs to thrive. Whether managing finances or guiding our HR efforts, Casey’s dedication allows our team to focus on what matters most—serving our students. Having lived it herself, her unique understanding of Student U’s mission brings a rare depth to her work that truly sets her apart. More than her role, Casey’s heart for service and unwavering commitment to giving back have made her an essential leader in our community. She knows the power of education and opportunity firsthand, and she carries that knowledge with her in everything she does. Big Ups, Casey, for your remarkable dedication and leadership and for continuing to strengthen Student U daily. #EmpoweringStudents #BuildingLeaders #ChangingCommunities

Last night, we hosted our High School Open House, centered around community building and sharing essential information for success with our high school students and their families. Together, we discussed the various academic support options available to our students, such as tutoring, academic coaching, and individual education programming/accommodations. Our Student & Family Support Services Team provided families with insights on a scope of available resources, including counseling services, parent workshops, and crisis funds, to ensure that both our students and families can take advantage of the support at their disposal. In addition to the high school sessions, our amazing College Success Team engaged with our senior students and their families, outlining how our seniors can prepare for their final year of high school. Our college team also took the opportunity to introduce critical senior-only events like Discover Your E! To close out the evening, students and parents could put faces to names while meeting their High School Advocates and enjoying a shared meal. #EmpoweringStudents #BuildingLeaders #ChangingCommunities

Two years ago, Michelle Price, affectionately known as Lady P, stepped into the role of Executive Director at Student U. Michelle continues to lead with a vision rooted in honesty, openness, and a deep commitment to equity. Her leadership approach—focused on progress rather than perfection—has guided us through challenges, consistently emphasizing growth and learning as central to our work. Michelle’s dedication to Student U’s mission shines in every aspect of her role. She doesn’t shy away from tough conversations, tackling our work’s challenges with grace while fostering joy and community connection. A standout moment of her leadership was her energetic performance at Brill Bash this summer, where she embodied her Lady P persona, lighting up the event with her memorable rap performance. We’re excited not only for Michelle’s continued leadership but also for the progress that Student U is making with our Strategic Growth Plan moving forward into 2025. Big Ups to Michelle for two incredible years, and here’s to the exciting milestones ahead with you at the helm! #EmpoweringStudents #BuildingLeaders #ChangingCommunities

The New Hope Elementary’s Back to School celebration, led by one of our incredible Community Schools Coordinators, Cherokee McAdoo, was unforgettable! We took bus tours through five neighborhoods, handing out school supplies, hygiene kits, and popsicles while completing needs assessments for the year. Along the way, we connected with over 135 students, parents, and community members—and even had a special visit from the Chick-fil-A Cow! This event united the community and set the stage for a great school year! #EmpoweringStudents #BuildingLeaders #ChangingCommunities

It should be impossible for one person to accomplish so much in just three years, yet here we are, celebrating the hard work and dedication of Ron McGill, our Facilities Manager. Ron has gone above and beyond to keep Student U and The W.G. Pearson Center running to the highest standard. His attention to detail and quick action ensure the building operates smoothly, often solving issues before anyone even notices them. He is our go-to person for any task, information, or support. Ron is constantly dropping exciting tidbits of knowledge and proves to be an unending wealth of knowledge about what seems like any and all topics, including the history of Durham itself. Ron’s warm, friendly presence is felt by everyone, and his signature style—especially his standout shoe choices—never fails to bring a smile. Ron’s passion for sharing stories and his genuine personality make him a beloved part of our community. Ron’s commitment extends beyond his daily tasks; he is also a champion for racial equality and building a strong community. His belief in the power of unity and family aligns with Student U’s mission, helping foster a space where all can thrive. We are deeply grateful for Ron’s contributions and look forward to many more years of his wisdom, kindness, and support. #EmpoweringStudents #BuildingLeaders #ChangingCommunities

We kicked off the year in a big way with Clarke Elementary’s G.A.M.E. (Growth, Achievement, Motivation, Empowerment) community event. Partnering with local organizations, one of our Community Schools Coordinators, Krystle Lindsey, meticulously worked to help create a fun-filled day with face painting, haircuts, hot dogs, games, and bounce houses to inspire students and families. It was a fantastic start to the year, bringing the community together and setting the tone for growth and achievement! #EmpoweringStudents #BuildingLeaders #ChangingCommunities