History

In 2004, Student U's co-founder and Executive Director, Dan Kimberg, saw first-hand the benefits of a students-teaching-students model through his work with Breakthrough Collaborative in New Orleans. He then worked with Duke student Amanda Dorsey, UNC-CH student Mary Williams, and the Durham community to bring the model to Durham. As a result of the collaboration among the Durham Public Schools, Durham Academy, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina Central University, and Duke University, Student U welcomed its first class of 50 students and 16 teachers in the summer of 2007.

The Student U model is successful because it harnesses students' power to change the world. The program inspires and empowers students of all ages by challenging them to use their passion to make a difference in their community. As a part of Student U, students and teachers of all ages develop a shared vision for a brighter future and gain the courage and skills necessary to make that vision a reality.

Throughout the 2011-2012 school year, Student U will work with 250 6th through 10th students and their families.