Durham Success Summit drives systems change for high school and college-enrolled Black men in Durham by providing access to catalytic programming and mentorship that helps Scholars achieve broader economic growth and mobility. We are a data-driven, impact-focused organization that leverages our vast network to create a cross-sector table of consistent support for Black male youth in Durham and the organizations that serve them.

Our twelve-week career accelerator programs, networking events, and professional mentorship opportunities aim to tackle the root causes that have kept low-income, Black male youth out of Durham’s thriving innovation economy.

Our twelve-week hybrid model accelerator helps Scholars achieve professional clarity, articulation, and networking fluency, cultivate an active network of mentors and enter the job market with valuable skills and confidence in their ability to succeed.

Upon completion, young men will be ready to enter the market world and begin effectively using the tools and skills gained through participation. They will be able to:

Solve business and community problems by leveraging innovation principles that turn ideas into testable hypotheses and business plans
Effectively market themselves to prospective employers through written documents, online presence, and skillful interviews
Identify and use relevant tools in the job search, including leveraging professional networks
Understand and plan for future pursuits using research-proven and data-driven methodologies

By providing this wrap-around support, we are collectively setting the foundation for both inclusion of young men of color in the broader community as well as creating a foundation for economic mobility that will transform our communities.

We measure our success in actual lives changed. These stories are a testament to the difference that communities can make when we come together to create lasting change:

"A transformational experience for me. I believe the opportunity to tell our story is essential to progress. I was grateful enough to win the [storytelling] competition but more so grateful to be a part of the change.” - Tyler Fisher, North Carolina Central University (Watch "Tyler's Story" here)

“Through the Durham Success Summit, I was able to express who I am and who God made me to be. I was also able to take knowledge of others and apply it to my life, which I better understand now.” - Jordan Jackson, North Carolina Central University

“DSS is like an outlet for so many Black men in our community...It gives us chances to give back to our community.” - Caleb Vanderburg, Elon University

“The Durham Success Summit taught me why it’s important to have a story. Stories help us understand our place in the world, and they help create connections with others. One year later, I was able to receive an internship.” - Manuhe Abebe, North Carolina Central University (Read Manuhe's Perspective here)

"I have never met some of these young men, but seeing how driven they are... I feel so honored and blessed to include them in my community. It wires me to be like, 'if this is what everyone in my circle is doing, I'm going to naturally follow suit." - John Rudolph, Duke University

Read our Founder's Story or check out this feature in INDY Week about our impact in Durham.

#GivingTuesday with Durham Success Summit

Transform the lives of Durham's youth by becoming a monthly supporter of unique professional mentorship and development experiences, including a new 12-week career accelerator program