The status quo
is unacceptable.
Approximately 40% of young, Black men in Durham are not on track to secure meaningful employment by age 25.
We work every day to change that.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to increase access to business education, mentorship, and professional networking opportunities for young, Black men between 16 and 24 years old in Durham.
OUR VISION
We envision a world in which every young, Black man has access to career pathways that lead to personal growth and economic mobility.
guiding principles
Our Core Values
Agency
We believe youth are fully capable of creating solutions to the challenges in their communities and their own lives. Our programs place their voices at the center, ensuring they are the drivers of change, not just the beneficiaries.
Rigor
We make decisions based on evidence and facts.
By committing to rigorous data analysis, transparency, and continuous learning, we remain accountable to outcomes that matter.
Innovation
We challenge outdated norms, avoid dead-ends, and embrace bold solutions. Flexibility and adaptability meet constantly evolving needs.
Accountability
We hold ourselves to the same high standards we encourage in others. We honor our word, and do not take shortcuts to understanding the needs of our Scholars.
Systems
We recognize that systems and structures matter. We aim to address the root causes of inequities while equipping individuals to navigate and reshape these systems.
At DSS, we take a holistic and integrated approach, aiming to empower every aspect of our Scholars' lives. We recognize that true transformation comes from addressing multiple dimensions
