Dream-Do-Achieve is embedded in our programs, our culture, our kids and their families. We are fortunate to also have it reflected in our physical structure. Backed by in kind donations from corporations, universities, and individual donors, the building itself is built to facilitate learning and outreach, and inspire those who use it to reach for their dreams.

Although our seven multi-purpose rooms are used for community and business meetings, they are primarily used by Pioneer Scholars in our K to College Model. These rooms support tutoring, projects, and technology labs. The walls are covered with college pennants and inspirational photos of our kids in action. These act as powerful visual reminders of what our students are aspiring to accomplish.

Dream – with heart and high expectations.
Do – with hard work and integrity.
Achieve – with honesty and respect.

We are all reminded of these six character pillars and of the dedication and hard work it takes to achieve success as we pass by the 10 retired Duke University men’s basketball jerseys and enter the gym with its 2001 NCAA men’s basketball championship floor. As our largest space, the gym is a hub of outreach activity.

The Center averages about 1,500 unique users monthly, some using it as often as twice daily and others as infrequently as once a month. From early morning and throughout the evening, fitness classes, team practices, evening games, community workshops, and neighborhood meetings help expand the Center’s impact on the Durham community. On any given day, we support 250 – 750 students and their family members.

Partner Schools and Athletic Teams
Although we primarily serve economically disadvantaged students and their families throughout the area, we do have a mix of socio-economic students from a private school (380 K-8th graders) who utilize one half of our gym for fitness, health and 3 sport teams. The other half is utilized in a similar way by a charter school (370 K- 8th graders), where the majority of the students are economically disadvantaged – they didn’t have a fitness facility or a home court – now they have both. The partnership with the charter school is a crucial outreach activity aimed at (1) helping to address the rapidly rising obesity rate in children who are the most likely to be impacted by this epidemic, and (2) providing an environment where students and teams can learn new athletic and teamwork skills. With pride, both schools call the championship floor their home court – we are equally proud to be able to give them a place where they feel they belong.

Engaging and Empowering the Families of our Pioneer Scholars
Students who are Pioneer Scholars in our K to College Model use the gym every day as part of their healthy snack and fitness program before they begin tutoring. These students have such promise, and yet they face the typical challenges of being economically disadvantaged. Although their parents are here every day, their extended families (parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, caregivers) join them once a month for a family and friends night of up to 200 people, playing soccer, basketball and Frisbee with their kids; exchanging information; and supporting each other. Add in parent empowerment workshops and recognition celebrations, and we have created exactly the environment our parents want for their families: a place where it is easy for them to access the support they need, a place where they belong. It is with great pride we share in their success, and it is our privilege to have become their 2nd home.

Supporting a Summer Experience of Education, Fitness/Sports, and Arts
Summer is packed with educational bridge programs, the Duhon Basketball Camp, and the Justice Theatre drama camp. Although the camps serve primarily economically disadvantaged kids, they attract a diverse mix of children from different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds – all learning new skills, gaining confidence, and practicing teamwork. Many students receive scholarships that enable their attendance at these programs, thanks to the generosity of our donors and friends.

Supporting the Outreach of Partner Organizations
Although you would wonder if we could fit anything else in, we do. We are home to The Girls Club, a student led mentoring program for middle school girls. To help us address childhood obesity, our partners in Fitness Forward, Duke Pediatrics and CENDO have or will facilitate programs that promote exercise, good nutrition, and healthy habits. We work with our partner, the Kramden Institute, to host a Geek-A-Thon where over the course of a weekend, 70 to 110 community volunteers come together to refurbish between 100 and 250 computers and ready them for donation to worthy area students. We have also acted as an access point for the Durham Symphony and the Children’s Choir to provide free concerts to families who would otherwise not experience this kind of event, and to the Durham Public Library for a Harry Potter book launch.