The Emily Krzyzewski Center, located in downtown Durham, NC, is one of the best organizations I could have ever asked to be a part of. The mission of the center states:
“The Emily Krzyzewski Center is a non-profit organization that serves as a college access hub in Durham, North Carolina, propelling academically-focused, low-income K-12 students and graduates toward success in college through its K to College programs while also offering college information and advising support to any local high school student through the Game Plan: College program. Through broader facility partnerships, thousands of additional students and community members use the Center as a place to convene, learn, and grow.
Founded by Duke Men's Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski and named in honor of his mother Emily, our mission is to inspire students to dream big, act with character and purpose, and reach their potential as leaders in the community.” (Emily K. Center Mission, n.d., para 1)
Specifically, I work under the Scholars to College Program which serves students in ninth through twelfth grades. During the school year, students participate in weekly small group instruction and one-on-one guidance by a dedicated College Counselor (Ms. Kiara for 2019, which you’ll hear more about her later!). Over the summer, students are engaged in academic, leadership, and career-related enrichment activities. Students who reside in Durham County with demonstrated financial need are eligible to apply in the spring semester of 8th grade. They then stay with us all 4 years through graduation!
Our final, culminating event (as highlighted in the picture above) is May March where we honor our students and their college decisions. It’s a time for celebration, joy, and tears for our students, families, and staff. I’m truly honored to be a part of such an amazing organization that is doing fantastic work within the Durham community. I don’t think I’m ready for the waves of emotions, but I can’t wait to celebrate with the Class of 2019 this year.