$15,800

The mission of the Durham Congregations in Action YO:Durham program is to provide teens a year of opportunity to make a difference in their lives through a Summer Career Academy, mentoring, service learning and a school year paid internship.
 
The target population for YO:Durham is “opportunity” youth ages 15-17 who are currently enrolled in high school, a recognized GED program, or an alternative school. The youth who have participated in YO:Durham have been drawn from Durham Public Schools, Juvenile Court Counselors, and congregations. All are identified as “opportunity” youth due to one of these factors:

• Eligible for free or reduced lunch,
• Court-involved or has a sibling or parent incarcerated,
• History of truancy or suspension,
• Academically delayed or at risk of retention, or
• Environmental or home risk factor.  

The centerpiece of YO:Durham is the six-week Summer Career Academy. During the academy students attend classes Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3:30 pm and are paid a stipend. The summer program focuses on helping students develop the vital “soft skills” employers find lacking in entry-level employees.  Effective written and oral communication with peers and supervisors, time-management, conflict resolution, professional demeanor, and goal setting are among the topics stressed through simulations, role-playing and interaction with a diverse group of professionals. Each student develops a career plan and a portfolio showcasing particular strengths and interests. The career academy also features visits to local college campuses, tours of local businesses and nonprofits, and a ropes course. 
 
Students successfully completing the summer program are eligible for paid internships with local employers during the following school year.  Employers provide after-school, paid internships that enable students to explore career interests and practice the skills learned in the summer academy.  The internships average 8 hours per week after school and on weekends during the school year for up to 36 weeks.  The internships provide an opportunity to extend contact with each student and track academic progress and improvement, reinforcing the message that more school equals better pay and more interesting work and making it more likely that students will retain employment skills.
 
Throughout the summer and the school year internship, students participate in service learning activities with local nonprofits and service agencies.  Through service learning activities, the students are encouraged to develop a life-long habit of reaching back and giving a hand up to others. 
 
Finally, at the end of the Summer Career Academy, students are matched with an individual mentor with whom they meet regularly on a year-round basis.  The role of each mentor is to provide support and guidance regarding all areas of life (internships, personal, and academic).  Mentors must meet with students at least four hours a month and commit to their mentee through high school graduation.