Student U

Since 2016, Brandy Luce has been a driving force at Student U, serving as our Director of Marketing & Storytelling. Her mission is to amplify the voices of our brilliant students, families, and staff, sharing their stories far beyond the walls of the W.G. Pearson Center to build awareness and understanding of the work to create a more equitable Durham. Much of what makes Student U run as smoothly and effectively as it does is thanks to Brandy’s behind-the-scenes dedication. Brandy’s work is a cornerstone of our success, from managing communications to ensuring every detail is covered. Brandy’s unwavering belief that everyone deserves love, fairness, and support fuels her passion for Student U’s mission. As a first-generation college graduate, she knows firsthand how transformative community support can be, and she works with urgency to create a better, more just educational system. Whether she’s tackling tech issues, curating event materials, running photo booths, or being a sounding board for new ideas, Brandy navigates her many roles with incredible grace and purpose, always ensuring Student U’s presence is felt across Durham and beyond. Brandy, your work doesn’t just amplify our stories—it makes everything we do possible. Your leadership, dedication, and belief in the power of community inspires us every day. Thank you for all you do to make Student U the thriving, impactful organization it is today. Big Ups to you, Brandy! #EmpoweringStudents #BuildingLeaders #ChangingCommunities

An unforgettable evening unfolded at Clarke Elementary School's Trunk or Treat event, where over 100 families gathered for a night of fun and excitement! This event was packed with festive fun—from imaginative costumes to trunks brimming with treats—making it an unforgettable evening for students, parents, and staff. This gathering offered a safe and joyful space for the entire community to come together and celebrate the season in style. #EmpoweringStudents #BuildingLeaders #ChangingCommunities

Support Student U and help raise funds by donating for a chance to receive exclusive swag designed by our talented students! This fall and winter, we’re inviting students, families, and their networks to share this exciting opportunity. When donating on behalf of a student, remember to include their name! The middle and high school grades that raise the most funds will receive a special pizza and ice cream sundae party during programming. Donating at different levels makes you eligible to receive a unique swag item. Make your contributions by November 29 to ensure your swag is ready for pick-up in December. ---------- https://hubs.la/Q02YPNmy0 ---------- ?Apoye a Student U y ayude a recaudar fondos donando para tener la oportunidad de recibir productos exclusivos dise?ados por nuestros talentosos estudiantes! Este oto?o e invierno, invitamos a estudiantes, familias y sus redes a compartir esta emocionante oportunidad. Cuando done en nombre de un estudiante, ?recuerde incluir su nombre! Los grados de secundaria y preparatoria que recauden la mayor cantidad de fondos recibirán una fiesta especial de pizza y helado durante la programación. Donar en diferentes niveles te hace elegible para recibir un artículo único. Haga sus contribuciones antes del 29 de noviembre para asegurarse de que su botín esté listo para ser recogido en diciembre. #ChangingCommunities #EmpoweringStudents #BuildingLeaders

Recently, some of our Student U team joined the NC Center for Afterschool Programs (NC CAP), convening and connecting with afterschool providers, educators, community leaders, and policymakers across North Carolina. Highlights included Fireside discussions with Representative Zack Hawkins, Geoff Coltrane (Senior Education Advisor to Gov. Cooper), and Elizabeth Anderson (NC CAP Director), as well as workshops like Pathways to Success, Youth Programs Supporting Racial Equity, and Fostering Community Through Collaboration and Engagement. The event was extra special as our High School Program Coordinator, Madi, won a $500 Skillastics shopping credit, and our Middle School Program Coordinator, Lonnie, took home a wobble chair. This inspiring convening strengthened our commitment to enriching afterschool programs for our students! #EmpoweringStudents #BuildingLeaders#ChangingCommunities #Synergy2024

Even more of our Student U parents celebrated their achievements last week when they officially earned their Kramden Institute’s tech class certifications! Big Ups for completing the five+ weeks of hands-on learning experience where they honed key computer skills and navigated the PowerSchool system while doing the work to stay engaged in their students’ education. Thanks again to the Kramden Institute for this amazing opportunity for our families. #EmpoweringStudents #BuildingLeaders #ChangingCommunities

Big ups to our incredible 64 high school students who earned well-deserved spots on the A/B Honor Roll this fall! Your hard work, resilience, and dedication to excellence have paid off in a big way. Balancing academics, extracurriculars, and everything in between is no small feat, but you rose to the challenge and achieved greatness. You are a shining example of what it means to dream fearlessly and work tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality. We couldn’t be prouder of your accomplishments—keep striving, thriving, and inspiring us all! #EmpoweringStudents #BuildingLeaders#ChangingCommunities

BIG UPS to our incredible High School Advocates! These dedicated individuals believe wholeheartedly in the brilliance and potential of our students, working tirelessly throughout the school year to support their academic growth, social development, and emotional wellness. From providing targeted interventions to fostering enrichment opportunities, our advocates go above and beyond to ensure that each student gets the unique support they need to thrive. Thanks to their unwavering commitment, our students are empowered to become the most successful academic, social, and emotional versions of themselves. We couldn’t do this without you! #EmpoweringStudents #BuildingLeaders#ChangingCommunities

Big Ups to our amazing students for their hard work, dedication, and growth this semester! We celebrated *52* students on the A and A/B Honor Roll with an epic Honor Roll Party featuring gaming, board games, a red carpet, pizza, and sweet treats! It was inspiring to see these young leaders come together, celebrating their monumental strides in learning. Every day, we witness our students as they dream big, push their limits, and uplift those around them. Here’s to more milestones ahead—keep shining! #EmpoweringStudents #BuildingLeaders#ChangingCommunities

Ready to discover what we're all about and how students can join our journey? Join us for an upcoming session where you’ll get an inside look at our mission, meet the team, and explore the pathways for new students to become part of our community. This is a fantastic opportunity to ask questions, connect, and see firsthand how we’re building a brighter future together. Whether you're a student, parent, or community member, we’re excited to welcome you! ----------------- ?Listo para descubrir de qué se trata y cómo los estudiantes pueden unirse a nuestro programa? únase a nosotros en una próxima sesión en la que podrá conocer nuestra misión, conocer al equipo y explorar los caminos para que nuevos estudiantes formen parte de nuestra comunidad. Esta es una oportunidad fantástica para hacer preguntas, conectarse y ver de primera mano cómo estamos construyendo un futuro mejor juntos. Ya sea estudiante, padre o miembro de la comunidad, ?estamos encantados de darle la bienvenida! #EmpoweringStudents #BuildingLeaders #ChangingCommunities

?Student U ahora está aceptando solicitudes para nuevos estudiantes deseosos de unirse a nuestro viaje transformador! Dise?ado para estudiantes de primera generación que van a la universidad en Durham, nuestro programa ofrece experiencias enriquecedoras de verano y durante todo el a?o que apoyan el crecimiento desde el sexto grado hasta la graduación universitaria. Con un enfoque en desbloquear el potencial académico, generar confianza y desarrollar habilidades de liderazgo, estamos aquí para ayudar a los estudiantes a prosperar dentro de una comunidad de apoyo dedicada a su éxito antes del 6 de diciembre. 2024 https://hubs.la/Q02YdH540 ------------------------ Student U is accepting applications for new students eager to join our transformative journey! Designed for first-generation, college-bound students in Durham, our program offers enriching summer and year-round experiences that support growth from 6th grade through college graduation. With a focus on unlocking academic potential, building confidence, and developing leadership skills, we’re here to help students thrive within a supportive community dedicated to their success. If your child is in a Durham Public School, don’t miss out! Applications are due by December 6, 2024—get started! #ChangingCommunities #EmpoweringStudents #BuildingLeaders