Mission Statement
The Emily K Center, a non-profit organization in Durham, was established in 2006 and named in honor of Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s mother. Our mission is to inspire students to dream big, act with character and purpose, and reach their potential as leaders in their community. The Center’s K to College Model serves academically-focused, low-income students in out-of-school programming designed to help them achieve in school, gain entry to college, and break the cycle of poverty in their families. In addition, the Center serves nearly 1,500 students and community members monthly through the use of the Center’s multipurpose rooms, gymnasium and performance stage.
Description
PIONEER SCHOLARS: 1ST THROUGH 8TH GRADE
The Pioneer Scholars program serves students throughout their elementary and middle school years, preparing them for success in a college preparatory course of study once they reach high school. Different than most traditional out-of-school programs, Pioneer Scholars is unique in its intensity, duration, expectations, and results.
When students enroll in the program they are individually assessed to ensure that we create an academic curriculum that best meets their strengths and needs and enables them to achieve their goals. They participate in highly-structured tutoring each and every day of the academic school year to develop and accelerate their skills. The instruction is delivered by decidedly qualified teachers and well-supported volunteers in an environment that demands high performance and commitment. Additional growth opportunities, such as career exploration events, technology skills instruction, and a math and science mentoring program, provide our students with even broader skills and experiences.
SCHOLARS TO COLLEGE: 9 TH THROUGH 12 TH GRADE
Once students graduate from the Pioneer Scholars program, they enter the Scholars to College program and continue to focus on maintaining strong academics, setting high expectations, and preparing for college. This program, however, is designed to be more flexible and accommodate high school students' varied schedules and increasing involvement in their particular areas of academic interest and extracurricular activities.
Students are guided and supported in the areas of academics, leadership, career exploration, financial literacy, and SAT preparation, building towards an absolute focus on the college application process. In addition, parent empowerment sessions are held for families of the Emily K Center students so that they are well prepared to support their students. Ultimately, Scholars to College students will have achieved both inside and outside of school, putting them in a strong position to gain admission, and attend, a college or university that is the right fit for them.
