Membership That Meets You Where You Are

Welcome to a flexible way to connect with career coaching, opportunity, and a community that walks with you—not just talks at you


Membership is NOW open to all young Black men ages 16–24 in Durham. Whether you’re figuring out your next step or already moving forward, we’re here to help you grow.

What is DSS?


Durham Success Summit is a career and leadership network built for young Black men ages 16–24 in Durham. We connect you to resources, mentorship, and real opportunities to grow professionally, emotionally, and financially.


What is Community Membership?


This is your front door to DSS. No cohort deadlines. No minimum GPA. No application required. Just real access, clear guidance, and consistent support—whether you're looking for your first job, trying to level up, or just figuring things out.

Join Now

Through Community Membership, you'll gain:


  • Career Coaching & Support: 1:1 coaching, job search assistance, resume reviews, and interview prep
  • Professional Tools: Free access to LinkedIn Premium and Google Career Certificates
  • Regular Events: Networking sessions, headshot days, game nights, career spotlights, and more
  • Job Leads & Stipends: Curated paid opportunities, scholarships, and industry exposure
  • Community & Culture: Be surrounded by people who believe in you, walk with you, and hold you accountable
  • Access to DSS HQ: Drop-in coworking, mentorship, and conversation during open hours (M/Th 10–2 + 6–9 PM, Sat 12–4 PM)

Who We're Looking For

Membership is open to:


  • Young Black men ages 16–24
  • Living in or connected to the Durham, NC area
  • Open to growth, mentorship, and consistent engagement

You do not need to be enrolled in school, have previous work experience, or meet a GPA requirement. We care about ambition, not perfection.


We keep it real. Membership is free, but your effort matters. To stay active in the network, members are expected to:


  • Complete a short onboarding call
  • Attend at least 1 event per month
  • Complete 3 onboarding checkpoints: Submit or create a résumé, create or update a LinkedIn profile, meet with a DSS coach at least once
  • Engage in the DSS GroupApp platform and WhatsApp group
  • Represent yourself and the community with respect and accountability

Ready to join?

Joining DSS is simple—and we’ll walk with you every step of the way.


  1. Fill out the interest form
  2. Expect a follow-up call and text from a member of the DSS team. 
  3. Schedule your virtual onboarding call
  4. Get added to our digital community and invited to your first event
  5. Complete your 3 checkpoints and unlock access to tools, benefits, and deeper opportunities

Youth FAQs

  • Who is DSS for?

    Scholars are required to attend all programming between February 3, 2025 until April 28, 2025 which includes: 


    Monday Evening Cohort Meetings (Weekly)

    Dates: February 3, 2025 until April 28, 2025 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM at DSS


    AND


     Saturday Academy (2x per month on Saturday)

    Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at DSS


    In order to successfully graduate and take full advantage of our alumni resources, Scholars must attend at least 8 of 12 weekly sessions and be actively engaged with program activities.


  • What’s the difference between Community Membership and the Summit Scholars program?

    The Summit Scholars Program is a rigorous career development program designed to help young Black men between 16 and 24 years old gain valuable transferable skills to secure employment and succeed in their chosen careers.

  • What does it cost to join DSS?

    Nothing. DSS is completely free for members. Every opportunity we offer—coaching, certificates, events, job support, stipends—is provided at no cost.



  • I don’t have a résumé or LinkedIn—can I still join?

    Absolutely. We’ll help you build them. Our only expectation is that you’re open to learning and growing. Once you join, we’ll walk you through everything step by step.

  • I’ve never had a job before. Can I still be part of DSS?

    By the end of the program, Scholars will be able to articulate their strengths and growth areas, navigate the job market, feel more confident in their abilities, have an expanded network of mentors and industry contacts, and possess an actionable plan for their first-choice careers. Many of our alumni have gone on to work in high trajectory roles for leading companies such as Fidelity, Duke Health, Ally Bank, Mastercard, the NBA, to name just a few.

  • What happens after I sign up?

    After you complete the interest form, someone from our team will reach out to schedule a quick call to get to know you and walk you through the next steps. Then we’ll invite you to your first event, get you connected to our digital community, and help you complete your onboarding.



  • Do I have to come every week?

    No. As a Community Member, you’re expected to attend at least one event per month and complete three key checkpoints (résumé, LinkedIn, coaching meeting) to stay active. Everything else is designed to fit your schedule and goals.



  • Can I bring a friend?

    Yes—please do! If you know another young Black man in Durham who could benefit from DSS, invite him to join. We’re building a real network—and it starts with you.



Parent & Guardian FAQs

  • What is Durham Success Summit?

    Durham Success Summit (DSS) is a nonprofit career and leadership network for young Black men ages 16–24. We help them grow professionally, gain confidence, and build relationships that lead to long-term career and life success. Our programs are free and built to meet young people where they are—whether they’re in school, working, or figuring it out.



  • Is this a school or job training program?

    DSS is not a school or formal job training program. We’re a support network and resource hub. Through workshops, coaching, job connections, employer events, and career tools like LinkedIn Premium and Google Career Certificates, we help young men get ready—and stay ready—for meaningful work and leadership.



  • Is it safe? Who’s supervising?

    Yes. All DSS programming takes place in a safe, professional environment. Our team includes vetted staff, alumni, and community leaders who are experienced in youth mentorship and development. Our Center is open only during posted hours and is monitored when members are present.



  • How does my son (or family member) join?

    Anyone who identifies as a young Black man ages 16–24 in Durham can join. They’ll fill out a short interest form and complete a quick onboarding call with our team. After that, they’ll receive invites to events and get connected to our digital community.



  • Is there any cost?

    No. DSS is free for all members. We are supported by local and national partners who believe in investing in young people.

  • What kind of support will they receive?

    Members receive access to coaching, résumé help, job leads, mentorship, professional events, career tools, and a supportive peer network. We also offer stipends, scholarships, and hands-on support when needed.



  • What if I don’t get into the program?

    Of course! You can reach our team at outreach@dssnc.org . We also welcome visits during office hours or by appointment.



Partner & Employer FAQ

  • Who does DSS serve?

    We work with young Black men ages 16–24 who live in or around Durham, NC. Our members are high-potential, often under-reached, and looking for connection, coaching, and clear pathways to careers.




  • Is this a school or job training program?

    There are several ways to engage:

    • Host an employer spotlight or site visit
    • Hire a DSS member or alum
    • Sponsor programming or provide in-kind resources
    • Offer mentorship, speaking opportunities, or curriculum support
    • Nominate youth to join DSS or refer talent for internships/jobs

    We’ll work with you to co-design a partnership that creates real value—for your organization and our community.

  • What industries are you focused on?

    We focus on high-opportunity, growth-driven sectors including life sciences, tech, healthcare, finance, trades, and public service. But we’re open to partners across industries—especially those offering living-wage roles and leadership potential.



  • Are DSS members job-ready?

    Our members vary in experience, but all receive support in career preparation: coaching, résumé reviews, interview prep, and exposure to professional expectations. Many are ready for internships, entry-level jobs, or apprenticeships. Others may be exploring their interests and would benefit from learning opportunities, mentorship, or shadowing.




  • How do we get started?

    You can submit a partnership inquiry or reach out directly to partners@dssnc.org. We’ll schedule a quick call to learn about your goals and how we can build something meaningful together.