Summit Scholars

SUMMIT SCHOLARS

Accelerate Your Career and Build Your Network

Start Your Application (Closed on 11/5/23) Application Guide Program FAQs

WHAT TO EXPECT

Our rigorous, in-person 6-month 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!

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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.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

As a Summit Scholar, you will be expected to complete all coursework with a minimum attendance rate of 90%, meet regularly with Success Coaches and mentors, actively participate on the Success Network, and complete a creative reflection to demonstrate program takeaways. You will also be asked to complete surveys to provide feedback and support for at least two years following the program, and to support your fellow Scholars through feedback, presence, and constructive ideas.


In return, you will gain valuable transferable skills that help you secure employment and succeed in your chosen career. You will be able to clearly articulate your strengths and growth areas in a range of formats, navigate the job market and understand the skills needed to be successful in local emerging industries, and feel more confident in your abilities with a stronger sense of self-worth. You will also have an expanded network of mentors and industry-relevant professional contacts, and an actionable plan to pursue your first-choice career.



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.

MEET YOUR SUCCESS COACHES

Prior to Durham Success Summit, our team gained skills and experience leading teams, projects, and initiatives at some of the world's most recognizable companies.  We know what it takes to get recruited, hired, and promoted.

FAQS


General Questions


  • What is the Summit Scholars Program?

    The Summit Scholars Program is a rigorous four-month 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 to selected Scholars.

  • 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.

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  • Are there any prerequisites or eligibility requirements to apply?

    No! We believe that your potential is not defined by numbers on a report card or test. At DSS, we are committed to providing equal opportunities to all young Black men in our community.


     To apply for our program, you must be between the ages of 16 and 24 at the start of the program, reside in or around Durham, and be able to commit yourself to the program. We don’t even ask about grades and standardized metrics because we understand that your true potential lies in your passion, resilience, and commitment to personal growth.

  • What is the time commitment for the program?

    If selected, Scholars commit to attending four months of programming from January 22 through April 13, 2024. Scholars are expected to attend weekly group sessions, which take place in person on Monday evenings, as well as participate in bi-weekly social activities every other Friday and monthly community service events.

  • 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?

    APPLY HERE by Monday, 11/5 at 12PM EST. 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. 


  • What if I don’t have a resume?

    If you don’t have a resume or would like support in making updates to your resume before submitting an application, we encourage you to come by our Open Office Hours every Tuesday between 1:00pm - 6:00pm at our office (727 N. Mangum Street). 

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

    All applicants will be notified by Monday, November 13, 2023 via the email address 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.

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