SUMMIT SCHOLARS PROGRAM 2026

A 12-week intensive career accelerator for Durham youth ages 16-24.


The program meets weekly in-person on Monday evenings from 6-9pm for 12 weeks throughout Durham and all sessions are required.


Program Dates:

Cohort 5: March 3 – May 26, 2026
Cohort 6: April 7 – June 30, 2026
Cohort 7: May 5 – July 28, 2026

Cohort 8: TBD September - December 2026

WHAT TO EXPECT

Our rigorous, in-person 12-week cohort-based accelerator is designed to help you achieve your career goals.


Through independent coursework, assignments, and career tours and site visits across the country with our partners, you'll gain invaluable industry-specific knowledge and skills. Our facilitators ("Success Coaches") will lead career-specific discussions, providing you with the guidance and support you need to succeed.


By the end of the program, you'll have an actionable plan to pursue your first-choice career, an expanded network of industry-relevant professional contacts and references, and a firm grasp of fundamental business communication skills. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your career to the next level with Summit Scholars!

THE REAL TRICKS OF THE TRADE

Summit Scholars is not your average career development program. As a Scholar, you'll have access to a range of exciting opportunities that will help you grow both personally and professionally. Highlights of the program include:


  • Site visits to top employers: Get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the best companies in your field. Meet hiring managers, get interviewed, and see the inside of a company.
  • National trips to conferences and professional development experiences: We believe in investing in our Scholars' success. That's why we offer national trips to conferences and professional development experiences at no cost to you.
  • Private tours of Durham's best spots: We'll show you the best that Durham has to offer. Take a private tour of the Durham Performing Arts Center and other local hotspots.
  • Discounts and special benefits at local businesses: As a Summit Scholar, you'll have access to exclusive discounts and special benefits at local businesses.
  • Access to DSS' office and coworking space: Need a quiet place to work or study? Our office and coworking space is exclusively for Scholars and alums.
  • Three-day, all-expense-paid retreat: Past retreats have included Charlotte, NC. This is a great opportunity to bond with your fellow Scholars and become exposed to new places and experiences.
  • Quality near-peer mentors: Our Success Coaches are near-peer mentors who look like you and are committed to providing guidance and advice without judgement.

Who We're Looking For

  • Be between 16-24 years old at the time of application
  • Live and reside in Durham County, North Carolina
  • Able to commit to at least 10 of 12 meetings on Monday evenings at 6pm until 9pm, some weeknights and weekends required based on program events. A calendar is provided once you enroll.  
  • Have reliable transportation to and from program activities
  • Have access to technology and Wi-Fi 
  • Willingness to be an engaged and active community member 

Durham Success Summit welcomes applications from all youth ages 16-24 in Durham County who are seeking career development, professional skills, and pathways to employment. No prior experience required—just commitment, curiosity, and a willingness to grow.

Ready to apply?

  • Submit an interest form and connect with our team to receive application link. We will call you after completing your interest form to confirm interest.
  • Schedule and attend one of our meet and greet sessions.
  • Submit your application by deadline. Confirm support for program involvement from parent/guardian, employer, partner organization, mentor, friend, etc.
  • Join the Orientation
  • Show up to our first cohort meeting.

Applications Open Soon

Here's (some of) what you'll learn in the program

Community Building

Connect with like-minded individuals and learn from successful professionals in your field of interest. Our Community Building module includes a program overview and introductions, exploration of your future self and personal mission, and a Scholars & Founders Retreat.

Career Planning & Goal Setting

Plan for your future career with our Career Planning & Goal Setting module. Learn how to identify your personal strengths and weaknesses, identify your career interests and goals, and develop a career plan and set achievable goals.

Job Search Skills

Take the first steps towards your dream job with our Job Search module. Learn the basics of resume writing and cover letter creation, building a professional online presence, and developing interview skills.

Professionalism & Workplace Etiquette

Learn how to act professionally and respectfully in any workplace. Topics include business communication, attire and grooming, time management, and workplace ethics and etiquette.

Financial Literacy

Money matters, and our Financial Literacy module will help you set yourself up for long-term financial success. Learn how to create a personal budget and save effectively, understand credit and debt, and get an introduction to entrepreneurship and negotiation tips and tricks.

Real World Exposure

Get real-world exposure to different industries and workplaces with our Real World module. Go on site visits to local offices, work on your own final project, and reflect on everything you've learned throughout the program. Celebrate your accomplishments with a graduation ceremony and alumni opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

  • What is the time commitment for the program?

    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 is 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.

  • Is there a cost involved in participating?

    The Summit Scholars Program is offered at no cost. 

  • What are the benefits of this program?

    The benefits of being a Durham Success Summit Scholar are nothing short of extraordinary. You will participate in tailored workshops designed to enhance your skills and knowledge in areas that align with your goals and interests, invitations to all-expense paid leadership retreats and professional development experiences across the country, and access to our established network. Moreover, you will have the unique chance to connect with companies that actively recruit and hire individuals like you, opening doors to incredible career opportunities.


    As a Summit Scholar, you also gain access to a network of alumni who continue their journey of success. Our alumni benefits include internal hiring opportunities within our network of supporters, scholarships to support your educational pursuits, and reunions where you can reconnect with fellow Scholars and share your progress.


  • What are the outcomes of the Summit Scholars Program?

    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.

  • Where is your main office?

    Our office is located at 727 N. Mangum Street, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27701. We're right next to Rival's Barbershop and not too far from Durham Beer Garden, Little Bull, and the Old North Durham Corridor.

  • Are there any prerequisites or eligibility requirements to apply?

    • Be between 16-24 years old on Feb 1, 2025
    • Able to commit to at least 8 of 12 meetings on Monday evenings at 6pm until 9pm, some weeknights and at least one Saturday morning per month 
    • Have reliable transportation to and from program activities
    • Have access to technology 
    • Willingness to be an engaged and active community member 

    There are no GPA, educational, or previous employment requirements. Additionally, previous involvement with the injustice system is not a factor in admissions; we care about your future, not your past.

  • Is the program in-person or online?

    Completely in-person. The program consists of in-person sessions, allowing for face-to-face interaction and engagement with Success Coaches and fellow Scholars. 

  • Can Scholars from outside Durham apply to the program?

    The program is open to young, Black men (16-24) from both the Durham area and surrounding areas. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.


  • Do you provide transportation to and from program activities?

    While we do not provide transportation for Scholars to and from program activities, we have witnessed our Scholars come up with innovative solutions to overcome transportation challenges. Many of our Scholars carpool or seek support from their accountability partners or guardians. We strongly recommend having reliable transportation to make the most of the program. However, we understand that circumstances may vary, and our team is always available to discuss alternative solutions and provide guidance.

Applying & Admissions Process

  • What is the application process?

    The application includes us collecting some basic information and four short answer essay questions that we ask you to complete in order to learn more about you.  

    • Briefly describe what you would contribute to the DSS community if you became a DSS Scholar. (300 word limit)
    • Briefly share your overall life and career goals. Where do you see yourself in one year? (300 word limit) 
    • What are you most passionate about and why? (300 word limit) 
    • What are your expectations of the program? Briefly describe what skills you hope to develop or experiences you want to gain from the program? 

    You will also need a current version of your resume and a recent photo when you submit the application. 


  • How are Scholars selected for the program?

    We want to ensure that we select Scholars who are committed, motivated, and ready to make the most of this life-changing opportunity. Our team carefully and thoroughly reviews every application we receive. We take the time to understand where you currently are in your journey, the steps you have already taken, and the effort you have invested in preparing your application materials, particularly the short answer responses. 


    While it's not always possible for us to meet everyone in person, we do find value in connecting with our applicants at our community events whenever possible. We understand that not everyone may have had the opportunity to attend these events, and we do take this into consideration when evaluating applications.


  • How do I make myself stand out?

    We believe that authenticity is key to standing out in the application process. Be your true self, and focus on sharing your personal journey and career aspirations. We’re not looking for perfect writers or selecting the most well-written response. We’re looking for honesty, clarity, and humility about what you need. We love to see that you’ve tried a few things (whether they were “successful” to you or not). Additionally, we encourage you to do some research on our organization and show that you understand our mission and vision.

  • Can Scholars earn academic credit through the program?

    The program is focused on career readiness and skill development, so academic credit may not be awarded. This varies based on your academic institution. However, Scholars will gain valuable knowledge and skills that can enhance their future educational pursuits as well as professional careers. 


  • When do I hear back about whether I am admitted or not?

    All applicants will be notified within two weeks via the email address and phone number used at the time of application. 

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

    We recognize that the selection process is competitive, and not all applicants may be accepted into the program. However, we have a range of opportunities that could still benefit you, including Community Memberships that provide access to our coworking space and networking opportunities with similar young men in the local area. Additionally, we have professional development opportunities and scholarships to Google Career Certificate programs available to ALL applicants.

  • Is the program only for minority

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