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.

6.3%

National unemployment rate as of 2023, 2x any other demographic

30%

less income than counterparts in the same roles

40%

of young Black men are not on track to secure employment by age 25

15%

expected % growth in high wage jobs in Durham over the next 10 years

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We challenge outdated norms, avoid dead-ends, and embrace bold solutions.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

Share by: