Frequently Asked Questions

How are the children selected for the program?

We look for promising students in 3rd-5th grade who want a more challenging academic environment than what is available to them in their zip code. Children are selected from local nonprofit organizations and programs and by direct applications. Their grades, behavior, work ethic, and family interactions are all taken into consideration as well as family income so that we are serving working families. With Students to Scholars’ assistance, families apply directly to the associate schools. Each school makes its admissions decision using their standard selection process.

Is the program open to all students?

Yes. We look for promising 3rd-5th grade students who could thrive in more rigorous independent schools. The only restriction for participation in Students to Scholars is that the parents’ income qualifies for the NC Opportunity Scholarship so that we are serving the neediest students.

Do the parents/guardians of the students contribute?

Yes. Every parent pays a portion of their child’s tuition, drives their child to school, packs the child’s lunch and snacks every day, and commits to volunteering 8 hours per year for Students to Scholars.

What do associate schools contribute?

Associate schools work with each family to create an affordable tuition package for each student based upon the family income.

Learn more about our associate schools »

Why does S2S work with independent middle schools to close the opportunity gap?

Students to Scholars takes a unique approach to developing young minds through early intervention in middle school. By identifying promising students, providing programming to support their success, and working with independent schools, S2S creates a bridge between communities with schools, the Boys & Girls Clubs, and families.

Download “Why Independent Schools” »

What is involved in the application process?

Please see our “Apply Now” section to learn more about the application process.

What supports are in place to support my child in the independent school environment?

Students to Scholars offers our Scholars a program of support with our “Success and Support” program.

Individual academic coaching to help Scholars catch up to their independent school peers and to thrive academically.
Cultural support to assist with the students’ adjustment to their new schools and to encourage the Scholars to take leadership roles in this new environment.
Parental support to assist the parents to adjusting to the new expectations and culture of their new school.
After-school: Our schools provide after-school programs for their students which your student may attend. Scholars also receive free transportation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Durham and Orange Counties after school where parents can pick them up until 6:00pm. (Note: Parents must apply to the Boys & Girls Clubs separately for membership.)

Our Academic Coaches (tutors) are drawn from the community and three universities: NCCU, Duke, and UNC. Each student is given their own Academic Coach to help them with their schoolwork and to inspire them on their own journey to college. If a child isn’t accepted to an independent school, we continue to provide academic coaching to those in 3rd or 4th grades and work with Hill Learning to provide professional tutoring to those who are severely behind and would benefit from trained tutors to help the child catch up.

Students to Scholars also offers Academic Coaching to all of our graduates in high school, as they request.

What happens when a student transitions to high school?

Students to Scholars works with each 8th grade Scholar to review their choices for high school—public, private, charter, etc. and to support them in their choice. 60% of our students return to public schools for high school while 40% opt for independent high schools at schools such as Cary Academy, Carolina Friends School, Durham Academy, Trinity Christian, Christo Rey Research Triangle High, Cary Academy, and Cardinal Gibbons. We also help 8th grade students connect to high school support programs such as the Emily K. Center’s “Scholars to College” program. Once Scholars have transitioned to high school, we continue to offer every graduate academic support from individual tutors from UNC, Duke, or NCCU. Graduates also have the opportunity to mentor younger Scholars in our Summer Camp. We offer graduates foreign language support with licenses to Rosetta Stone and scholarship programs to exciting opportunities such as Duke’s Pre-College program and NC School of Science and Math.

How do I get my child into Students to Scholars?

Applicants are typically in the 5th or 6th grade. They need to be willing to work with tutors on a regular basis, complete their homework, and show exemplary potential for working well within the classroom. Each student needs to have strong support from a parent/guardian. If this describes your child, please apply now.

What are some ways to tell others about S2S?

Do you know someone who would be interested in Students to Scholars? Please share our website with them or have them contact us.

You can also send this flier!

Download pdf in English »

Download pdf in Spanish »

Are you a 501(c)3 nonprofit?

Yes! We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Help promising students from overlooked communities succeed in middle school and be better prepared for success in high school and college. Your gifts of time, talent, and financial support change the trajectory of young lives!

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About Students to Scholars

Students to Scholars is a free program providing Durham and Orange county students with the opportunity to enroll and succeed in local, high-achieving independent middle schools that will prepare them for the college track in high school.

Learn More »

Support S2S!

Please help promising students from historically underserved communities succeed in middle school and be better prepared for the college track in high school. Your donation makes our work possible.

Click Here to Donate Online »

Contact Students to Scholars

PO Box 52022
Durham, NC 27717

info@students2scholars.org »