Congrats, Class of 2026!

June 16, 2026

The Class of 2026 has given us so much to celebrate! This year, we recognize 46 high school and college graduates in our enrollment-based programs and congratulate the more than 2,200 students who participated in our programs throughout the year. From the first day of school to graduation, each student has demonstrated commitment, perseverance, and growth, and we are so proud of all they have achieved.

Get to know a few graduates and join us in congratulating the Class of 2026!

Brian joined the Emily K Center in 2019, participating in the Scholars to College and Scholars on Campus programs. He recently graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Safety and is now heading to the Georgia Institute of Technology to pursue a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering. During senior year, Brian completed a research project on PFAS and presented his findings at two research symposiums. Outside of the classroom, he was involved with the National Society of Black Engineers and participated in community service events.

Best part about the Emily K Center? “The support system that is available to us. It allows us to stay true to our mission and strive for greatness.”

Genesis recently graduated from J.D. Clement Early College and will attend Northeastern University this fall to study Business Administration and Communications. Since joining the Emily K Center in the first grade, she has explored a passion for media and the arts through experiences like serving as a volunteer host at NCCU’s radio station, participating in Durham YouthWorks, volunteering with Animal Protection Society and the Center’s Pioneer Scholars program, and working in her school library. Genesis hopes to one day work as a creative director in the entertainment industry. As she prepares for college, she is excited to embrace new experiences, meet new people, and explore a new environment.

Favorite Emily K Center memory: “Meeting my friends here. Some of them have come and gone, but it’s been really fun to grow up with these people and see how far we’ve all come.”

Zora graduated from City of Medicine Academy and will attend Winston-Salem State University this fall to study nursing, with plans to become a travel nurse. Throughout high school, she served on student government, participated in Theta Phi Delta, worked a part-time job, and was a student ambassador for the Game Plan: Future program at the Emily K Center. Through Game Plan: Future, she received support with FAFSA, college applications, essays, and scholarships, while also developing leadership and professional skills as an ambassador. Looking ahead, she hopes to combine her passion for healthcare and community impact by one day creating opportunities for people of color in the nursing field.

What have you learned through your experience as a student ambassador? “I learned how impactful youth voices can be. This program crafted me into the person I am today. I started stepping out of my comfort zone and found a home that I could always lean on when in doubt.”

Joel, a graduate of J.D. Clement Early College, will attend UNC Charlotte this fall to study Construction Management. He first joined the Emily K Center as a sixth-grade Pioneer Scholars student and continued through Scholars to College, following in the footsteps of his older brother and several cousins who also participated in Center programs. Throughout high school, he balanced academics with soccer, part-time jobs, and entrepreneurial ventures, gaining experience in restaurants, landscaping, and sales. Looking ahead, he’s excited to build a career in construction leadership.

Best part about the Emily K Center? “All the help they give you and not making you feel that you’re by yourself, even when you go to college.”

Scholars to College Class of 2026

Angel – NC Central University

Anna – University of NC at Greensboro

Anthony – University of NC at Greensboro

Brian – Durham Technical Community College

Cameron – Winston-Salem State University

Christopher H. – University of NC at Charlotte

Christopher L. – University of NC at Charlotte

Daniela – University of NC at Greensboro

Dami – University of NC at Greensboro

Devin – University of NC at Greensboro

Diego – Gap year

Eleyse – NC Central University

Esther – University of NC at Greensboro

Genesis – Northeastern University

Ghamdan – NC State University

Gurvani – University of NC at Charlotte

Jacqueline – Columbia University

Jazmin – University of NC at Greensboro

Jessica – University of NC at Greensboro

Joel – University of NC at Charlotte

Justin – University of NC at Greensboro

Karen – University of NC at Greensboro

Katori – Hollins University

Mery – University of NC at Greensboro

Na’Tayia – University of NC at Greensboro

Sheliya – Durham Technical Community College

Sophia – University of NC at Greensboro

Vianey – Meredith College

Scholars on Campus Class of 2026

Angie – Amherst College

Areli – NC State University

Brian – NC A&T State University

Briana – Tulane University

Carlos – Hamilton College

Chiagozie (Precious) – University of NC at Chapel Hill

Daira – University of NC at Chapel Hill

Dalya – NC State University

Darlene – Northeastern University

Ezekiel – University of NC at Greensboro

Jasmine – University of NC at Greensboro

Jessica – University of NC at Charlotte

Kevin – NC A&T State University

Kiara – NC A&T State University

Micah – University of NC at Chapel Hill

Neraly – University of NC at Greensboro

Richard – NC A&T State University

Taquioa (Tje) – Durham Technical Community College

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