Partners for Youth Opportunity

Program Description

Partners for Youth Opportunity (PYO) is the product of a 2014 merger between YO:Durham and Partners for Youth, two organizations serving a similar population of Durham youth. PYO was created to more effectively address the growing "opportunity gap" resulting from the chronic disconnection of Durham youth from economic and educational opportunities. PYO serves its students in four major ways: (1) Educational Attainment which is defined as high school graduation and post-secondary enrollment. Our students participate in Academic Success Coaching (tutoring) twice a week as well as attend academic workshops and college tours. Students also meet with our college support specialist to go over college applications, FAFSA assistance and searching/applying for scholarships. (2) Economic Stability which is defined as employability and financial empowerment. (3) Mentoring which is defined as helping our students to identify intentional and supportive adult relationships. (4) Community Engagement which is defined as accessing and contributing to the larger community through leadership, service and the arts.

Demographics

Race & Ethnicity

• White: 1%
• Asian or Pacific Islander: 5%
• Hispanic/Latino: 36%
• African American: 58%

Education Level and
Number of Students

• High School: 51
• Middle School: 0
• Elementary School: 0
• Post-secondary: 0
• Non-traditional: 0

First-Generation

• Less than 25%

Representative
Colleges Attended
by Alumni

• Bennett College
• Spelman College
• The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• University of North Carolina at Pembroke