Pioneer Scholars
Serving elementary and middle school students
Pioneer Scholars ensures that our elementary and middle school students are building academic skills, achieving in school, and laying the foundation for future college success.
Pioneer Scholars is a free, academic enrichment program serving academically-focused elementary and middle school students in Durham County who aspire to attend college after high school. The goal of the program is to establish a strong foundation of academic and leadership skills so that students enter high school ready to excel in a rigorous college preparatory curriculum that will put them on the path to admission at select colleges and universities.
Program benefits include:
- Small group instruction and skill building
- Academic benchmarking to assess college readiness
- Cultural, arts, and social enrichment activities
- Character and leadership skill building
- Career exploration for middle school students
- Parent and family engagement and support
- Summer enrichment programs
Our Pioneer Scholars have a passion for learning, demonstrate a positive attitude toward school, and are leaders within their school communities. Students must also demonstrate personal character, work-ethic, and integrity as evidenced by teacher recommendations, personal statements (for middle school applicants), and an interview process.
To be eligible for Pioneer Scholars, students must reside in Durham County and meet financial eligibility requirements. The strongest candidates demonstrate academic commitment (mostly A/4 and B/3 grades) and have robust family support. Factors such as attendance, engagement in the classroom, behavior, and academic potential are also taken into consideration when making enrollment and retention decisions.
Pioneer Scholars is supported by an outstanding group of licensed, qualified educators we call Lead Tutors. Each Lead Tutor, supported by a small team of volunteers, has a high level of proficiency in teaching literacy, math, and STEM-related subjects. Lead Tutors facilitate well-designed instructional activities that engage students, accelerate learning, and address identified gaps in skills or proficiencies. This robust support model allows for both small group and one-on-one instruction based on student need. Throughout the academic year, families have the opportunity to consistently communicate with Lead Tutors concerning the progress and needs of their students.
Our lead tutors are award-winning, accomplished educators; we’re honored to have several current and former ‘Teachers of the Year’ on staff.
We are currently accepting applications for rising 3rd through 8th graders. To apply, complete the application and teacher recommendation forms below by April 10, 2026. If completing a print application, please return to the Emily K Center (904 W Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701).
Students who most closely meet the admissions profile are considered the strongest candidates and will be contacted for an interview. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Please contact us at ps@emilyk.org with any questions or fill out this interest form.
**School counselors who collect complete applications on behalf of their students should contact ps@emilyk.org to arrange a pick up.*
2026-2027 Pioneer Scholars Application Materials:
Have a Question?
Impact
79
students currently enrolled.
100 %
of students receive weekly social and emotional learning lessons.
100 %
of Pioneer Scholars students promoted to the next grade level.
Meet The Pioneer Scholars Team
Patrice High
Director of Elementary and Middle School Readinessphigh@emilyk.org
919-680-0308 x226
Patrice joined the Emily K Center full-time in 2024 after working part-time as a Pioneer Scholars Lead Tutor from 2015-2017. She earned her undergraduate degree in African and Afro-American Studies from UNC and her MS in Higher Education with a concentration in Student Affairs from Kaplan University.
Favorite school supply: Papermate Flair Pens
Favorite College Courses: Blacks in Film, Black Press & U.S. History
Aimee Ruiz
Elementary and Middle School Program Coordinatoraruiz@emilyk.org
919-680-0308 x212
Aimee started her role as Elementary and Middle School Program Coordinator for the Pioneer Scholars program in 2026. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Davidson College and Master’s degree from Wake Forest University School of Business.
Favorite college course: Latin American Women Writers
Best advice ever received about education: “Education is one thing no can ever take away from you.” – Elin Nordegren
Volunteer With Pioneer Scholars
Working under the supervision of programming staff and Lead Tutors, volunteer tutors provide direct academic and enrichment support to the students in their assigned group. In order to serve as a volunteer tutor, you must be at least 18 years of age, successfully complete a background check, and have a high level of proficiency in literacy, math, and/or STEM-related skills.
If you are interested in volunteering in a non-academic capacity, please contact us at ps@emilyk.org.
Apply Now To Be A Volunteer Tutor
Student Spotlight
Meet Dylan, Grade 3
Dylan is a third grade student who has been enrolled in Pioneer Scholars since the second grade. When at the Center, Dylan is always quick to share a smile, and his Lead Tutors describe him as extremely creative, caring, and thoughtful. Dylan’s favorite subject is math, and he also really enjoys a new spelling game called Sparkle. Outside of academics, Dylan has pet birds and has enjoyed the chance to show off his favorite feathered friends to his fellow scholars during virtual programming. We’re so lucky to have Dylan in the Emily K Center family.
