The Barriers They Face

It's not about effort. It's about access.

The young people we serve aren't lacking ambition, intelligence, or work ethic. They're facing systemic barriers that make it nearly impossible to access stable careers:

Limited Professional Networks

Many young people in Durham don't have family members, mentors, or connections in high-growth industries. Without those networks, they don't know what jobs exist, how to access them, or who can help them get there.



The impact:

  • No guidance on career pathways or industry requirements
  • No introductions to hiring managers or decision-makers
  • No mentors to provide advice, support, or advocacy
  • No understanding of workplace norms and professional expectations

Economic Instability

When you're worried about where your next meal is coming from, how you'll get to work, or whether you'll have a place to sleep tonight, it's nearly impossible to focus on career planning.



The impact:

  • Inability to attend interviews or training programs without transportation
  • Limited access to technology needed for job applications
  • Food insecurity that affects energy, focus, and wellbeing
  • Housing instability that creates chaos and prevents long-term planning

Disconnection from Education and Work

Many youth we serve are out of school, unemployed, or working low-wage jobs with no advancement potential. They're caught in a gap—not in college, not in a career—and don't know how to bridge it.



The impact:

  • Gaps in employment history that raise red flags for employers
  • Lack of recent references or professional credentials
  • Lost confidence and growing sense of hopelessness
  • Increasing distance from traditional pathways to success


Justice Involvement

A criminal record—even for minor offenses—can shut doors to employment, housing, and education. Young people leaving the justice system face additional barriers that require intensive support and advocacy.



The impact:

  • Automatic disqualification from many job opportunities
  • Stigma and discrimination from employers
  • Legal barriers to professional licenses and certifications
  • Difficulty accessing housing, transportation, and other resources

Lack of Career Guidance

Most young people don't have access to career coaches, resume support, interview prep, or guidance on navigating professional environments. They're expected to figure it out on their own—and they're penalized when they don't.


The impact:

  • No understanding of how to search for jobs effectively
  • Weak resumes and cover letters that don't stand out
  • Poor interview performance due to lack of practice
  • Missed opportunities due to lack of professional presentation skills

We Remove Barriers

DSS addresses these challenges head-on through:

✓ Free, accessible programming with no cost to participants
 ✓ Intensive career coaching that meets young people where they are
 ✓ Direct employer connections through corporate partnerships in high-growth industries
 ✓ Wraparound support that addresses transportation, technology, and economic barriers
 ✓ Mentorship from industry professionals who believe in their potential
 ✓ A community where young people belong, are supported, and can thrive


We don't just prepare young people for jobs. We remove the barriers that prevent them from accessing opportunity in the first place.