List of Units/Programs In Agency

Pre-College Services Unit

Talent Search (Durham County)

The Talent Search program identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to complete their postsecondary education. The program publicizes the availability of financial aid and assists participants with the postsecondary application process. The goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in and complete their postsecondary education.

Services provided by the program include: academic, financial, career, or personal counseling including advice on entry or re-entry to secondary or postsecondary programs, career exploration and aptitude assessment, tutorial services, information on postsecondary education and exposure to college campuses. 

Funding Source
US Department of Education
Office of Postsecondary Education, TRIO Programs

Upward Bound (Durham County)

Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their pre-college performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves high school students from families where they are potential first generation college students, and who meet specific income guidelines. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

The project offers academic enrichment, academic advisement, career development, personal counseling, test preparation, and postsecondary preparation during its academic year component. Intense academic instruction in the core curriculum, supplemental instruction, and cultural and social enrichment is offered during the required summer component. The project supports 50 students annually in Durham County, North Carolina.

Funding Source
US Department of Education
Office of Postsecondary Education, TRIO Programs

Upward Bound (Edgecombe County)

Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their pre-college performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves high school students from families where they are potential first generation college students, and who meet specific income guidelines. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

The project offers academic enrichment, academic advisement, career development, personal counseling, test preparation, and postsecondary preparation during its academic year component. Intense academic instruction in the core curriculum, supplemental instruction, and cultural and social enrichment is offered during the required summer component. The project supports 50 students annually in Edgecombe County, North Carolina.

Funding Source
US Department of Education
Office of Postsecondary Education, TRIO Programs

Living and Learning Unit

The Renaissance House

The Renaissance House provides temporary, emergency sheltering services for youth ages 12-17 within Durham County, North Carolina. The house can provide residence for up to four (4) residents in a safe, home setting. As an emerging, nationally-recognized SAFE Place, The Renaissance House provides a safe haven for teens in crisis.

Primary beneficiaries of this project are youth who are runaway, indefinitely or intermittently homeless, throwaways, or at-risk of becoming a street youth. Youth served through this project receive information on health services, educational opportunities, and workforce information to become engaged towards self-sufficiency. Immediate housing accommodations are provided to RHY eligible youth for up to 21 days. Support services such as food, clothing, counseling, and referrals for health care are organized and provided by the project for participants. Family reunification, as appropriate, and the strengthening of family relationships through counseling or other supports services are coordinated to help youth thrive and feel safe in their home environment. Transition services are also provided to youth who have aged-out or must transition out of the program.

Training and Community Support

Renaissance TRIO Training

The Renaissance TRIO Training Project supports the needs of staff working in or preparing to work in Federal TRIO Programs. The training project provides professional development for TRIO staff in the areas of Absolute Priority 1 (recordkeeping, performance reporting, and rigorous evaluation) and Absolute Priority 6 (management strategies for new directors). Training offerings are designed to increase the knowledge, skill, and resources of TRIO professionals to operate a model program. Project services include training seminars, technical assistance clinics, and coaching programs.

Funding Source
US Department of Education