Student U Takes Up the Mantle as Lead Agency for DPSF's Community Schools
After years of dedicated leadership in this work, Durham Public Schools Foundation (DPSF) will be transitioning the oversight and management of Community Schools to Student U. As we step into this new phase, Student U will be the lead agency, ensuring its continued success and expansion. This transition marks an exciting new chapter in strengthening and expanding the Community Schools model, ensuring its long-term impact. Student U is thrilled to partner more deeply with Durham Public Schools to support in and out-of-school strategic initiatives, building upon the strong foundation of the Community Schools program and expanding it statewide. This collaboration between Student U and DPSF will only help further enhance student success throughout Durham and North Carolina.
The Evolution of Community Schools in Durham
The Community Schools model has deep roots in Durham. In 2017, local educators and advocates attended a training in Milwaukee, where they saw firsthand how Community Schools can transform student outcomes. Inspired by the model’s potential, the Durham Association of Educators led a campaign to pilot Community Schools within Durham Public Schools, guided by the National Education Association’s framework of collaboration, equity, and student-centered success.
This movement gained traction during Durham Public Schools’ superintendent search, as families and stakeholders voiced their support. The momentum led to a DPS Board of Education resolution to launch four Community Schools in the 2018-2019 school year: E.K. Powe Elementary, Club Boulevard Elementary, Lakewood Elementary, and Southwest Elementary. This collaborative effort became the Bull City Community School Partnership in 2019.
In Fall 2020, Club Boulevard and Lakewood Elementary Schools reaffirmed their commitment to the model beyond the pilot phase as the DPSF became the lead agency for the partnership. Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, these schools leveraged community solutions to keep students and families connected. With additional funding from Durham County, the initiative expanded to include a Parent Organizer role, a Principal Leadership Fellowship, and resources for Family Resource Centers and professional development. In 2022, Fayetteville Street Elementary joined as the newest Community School.
Why Community Schools Matter
Community Schools operate on the belief that student success is not solely determined by academics but also by social, emotional, and economic factors. By integrating services such as health care, after-school programs, and leadership opportunities for families, these schools create an environment where students can thrive.
DPSF, in partnership with the Bull City Community School Partnership, has been instrumental in leading this effort, with tangible successes at Club Boulevard, Lakewood, and Fayetteville Street Elementary Schools, including:
Improved student outcomes – Increased academic performance and engagement.
Enhanced family engagement – Parents actively participating in leadership roles, shaping school policies and priorities.
Stronger community partnerships – Schools leveraging local resources to provide holistic support for students and families.
Student U’s Role in the Next Phase
With a longstanding commitment to education equity in Durham and an expanded mission that reaches across the state, Student U is uniquely positioned to build on this progress and strengthen the Community Schools model. As the regional leader for Central North Carolina under the North Carolina Community Schools Coalition (NCCSC), Student U has already launched four Full Service Community Schools in Vance and Orange counties. Now, Student U will support the existing community schools in Durham, starting Summer 2025, in Club Boulevard Elementary School, Fayetteville Street Elementary School, and Lakewood Elementary School in Durham County. In addition, Student U will be adding one new Full Service Community School in Vance County and four in Sampson County, enhancing existing partnerships and bringing additional resources to local schools.
This transition marks an exciting milestone for Durham, as it now takes a leading role within the North Carolina Community Schools Coalition (NCCSC). The NCCSC works collaboratively with communities across the state to implement the community schools model, fostering partnerships among local, regional, and state stakeholders. Together, they aim to promote the well-being of children and families in North Carolina communities most affected by systemic barriers and inequities. Student U, as the regional implementation partner, will leverage this coalition to ensure strategic growth and long-term viability of the Community Schools model in Durham.
What’s Next for Durham’s Community Schools?
With Student U leading the way, Durham’s Community Schools will continue to grow and evolve. Key priorities include:
Deepening Collaboration – Strengthening connections between Durham's community schools and community schools across North Carolina and sharing best practices across the region.
Expanding Resources – Bringing additional funding, services, and opportunities to schools through strategic partnerships.
Enhancing Shared Leadership – Ensuring student, family, and educator voices remain central to decision-making processes to enhance student outcomes and school culture.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The transition of leadership from DPSF to Student U reflects a shared vision: ensuring that every student in Durham has the support they need to succeed. This partnership underscores the power of community-driven solutions and reinforces Durham’s position as a leader in educational equity.
As we embark on this new chapter, we celebrate the progress made and the bright future ahead. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected educational ecosystem where students, families, and communities thrive.
For more information on how to get involved or support Durham’s Community Schools, visit Student U’s website or our Community Schools web page.
Students participate at previous Community Schools event. DPSF’s Community Schools will now be managed by Student U.