FAQs

What is the Emily K Center? +

The Emily Krzyzewski Center, a nonprofit organization in Durham, North Carolina, was established in 2006 and named in honor of Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s mother. The Emily K Center implements four academic programs, designed to help students chart their own paths to college. To learn more about our program for elementary and middle school students, click here. For our high school programs, learn more about the enrollment-based Scholars to College program here or explore the open access Game Plan: College program here. For more details on our program for students in college, click here.

In addition to academic programs, the Center enhances the impact of local organizations by serving as a home and resource for more than 50 nonprofits, schools, and community groups each year. To find out more about these facility partnerships, please click here.

Is the Emily K Center a school? +

This is a common question, but the answer is no! Though we run four academic programs, our student-focused programs all happen after the school day is complete. It is our intent to partner and work closely with Durham Public Schools to supplement and enhance the education students get during their typical school day.

Who does the Center serve? +

The Emily K Center partners with more than 2,000 Durham students annually to help empower them on their college journeys. Our students come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and our work is driven by a desire to help dismantle systemic barriers that have historically impeded students’ access to college education. This means that many of our students may be first-generation college students, from under-resourced communities, and/or students of color.

How can I get my child involved at the Center? +

Enrollment at the Center looks different for each program. Our Pioneer Scholars (grades 1-8) and Scholars to College (grades 9-12) programs have a limited number of spots available and enroll new students each spring. The ‘How to Apply’ tab on the top of each program’s webpage has more details. Our Scholars on Campus program for college students is open only to students who have completed our Scholars to College program. For these enrollment programs, the strongest candidates will demonstrate academic-focus and have financial need.

Game Plan: College is open to any Durham high school student and offers college access-focused workshops and one-on-one advising sessions. To get started with Game Plan: College, schedule a one-on-one advising session or reach out to the team at gameplancollege@emilyk.org.

Does the Center offer summer camps? +

In addition to our year-round academic programs, the Center historically has offered two summer day camps that are open to any rising 2nd-9th grade student. We offer a one-week basketball camp and two-weeks of drama camp. Partial scholarships are available. More information on our camps can be found here.

In addition to the programs you run, who else uses the Center? +

The Emily K Center is proud to be a part of the vibrant Durham community. We partner with approximately 50 organizations annually who utilize the Center’s multipurpose rooms, gymnasium, and stage to convene, learn, and grow. Each partnership is unique. Some Facility Partners meet here weekly to run their own programs, while others hold quarterly meetings or host a larger annual event. You can learn more about facility partnerships and how to establish a new partnership here.

How can I volunteer at the Center? +

Volunteers are critically important to the success of the Emily K Center. They provide instructional support to elementary and middle school students, subject matter tutoring to high schoolers, and administrative and operational support for the Center overall. Volunteers who wish to work directly with students must make at least a one-semester commitment and are generally 18 years of age or older. You can learn more about specific volunteer opportunities and complete an application here.

How is the Emily K Center funded and how can I make a donation? +

We believe that the work being done at the Emily K Center is life-changing, and we are extremely grateful to our supporters who make this work possible. The Center is an independent, 501(c)(3) organization and does not have one single source of revenue, but rather benefits from a broad base of support including individual and corporate giving, special events, and charitable foundation grants. We rely heavily on the support of individuals both in the Durham community and throughout the country. More information on our financials can be found here.

Donations can be made online or by check sent to the Emily K Center, 904 W. Chapel Hill St., Durham, NC 27701. For more information on other ways to give such as planned giving, in-kind gifts, corporate sponsorship, and more, click here.

Is the Emily K Center part of Duke University? +

No! Though our Chair and Founder is affiliated with Duke University and we benefit from a wonderful partnership with the school, the Emily K Center is a separate and distinct 501(c)(3) organization. Due to our proximity to the university, many of our committed volunteers are members of the Duke community and a number of student groups work with us as Facility Partners to provide additional arts, science, sports, and mentoring activities at the Center. We are also fortunate to partner with Duke Athletics on several special events each year.