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The Emily K Center’s Game Plan: Future program celebrates its 10th anniversary on September 14, 2026. Formerly known as Game Plan: College, the program launched in 2016 in response to a growing need for postsecondary planning and support among Durham students. At the time, the Center offered three programs serving students from elementary school through college, but each was enrollment- and cohort-based. Game Plan: Future filled an important gap by offering free support to any Durham high school student. 

Through one-on-one advising sessions, workshops, and community events, Game Plan: Future has served thousands of students since 2016. The team works with nearly every Durham Public Schools high school, helping students explore postsecondary options, write college essays, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, identify scholarships, and more. 

Community events offer another important avenue for supporting students and families. Over the years, Game Plan: Future has grown to host three large–scale events: Bull City in Black, an HBCU showcase; Mi Éxito, Mi Camino, a bilingual college and resource fair; and Opportunity Fair, a certificate/credentials and entry-level career fair. These events are designed to reach families throughout Durham and surrounding communities, offering free information and resources to help students determine the pathway that best fits their goals after graduation. 

“It’s been exciting to see the impact of the Game Plan: Future program firsthand,” says Christina Villegas, Director of Postsecondary Access. “We are able to reach so many students in Durham, and many come see us multiple times, which allows us to support them throughout their journey towards post-graduation goals.” 

The results speak for themselves. In 2025-2026 alone, Game Plan: Future held 326 individual advising sessions, led or supported 87 workshops/special events, and assisted with 138 FAFSA completions. Students served by Game Plan: Future have gone on to pursue four-year degrees, apprenticeships, two-year credentials, military service, and other pathways that align with their goals. 

Citlally (2025 Game Plan: Future Graduate) shared, “This program helped me a lot in the process to start college. As the first-generation attending university in this country, this tends to be confusing and difficult, but the program helped me get into college.” 

As Game Plan: Future enters its next decade, the program will continue evolving alongside Durham’s students and families, expanding access to information, resources, and individualized support so more young people can confidently take their next step, wherever their goals may lead.