Durham AIM at Duke University

Durham AIM at Duke University works to expand access to higher education for Durham Public Schools students by providing free, one-on-one college advising and academic support. AIM mentors support students in grades 9–12 across Durham high schools through in-person, on-campus advising during the school day. Since January of 2025, they’ve helped advise nearly 200+ students.

Program Details

Many capable and high-achieving students in Durham Public Schools, particularly those from low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented backgrounds, face limited access to individualized college advising. Existing school-based resources are often constrained by counselor capacity and are frequently concentrated in students’ senior year, leaving younger students without early guidance on academic planning, college exploration, and postsecondary pathways. Durham AIM addresses this gap by providing free, one-on-one advising and academic support to students in grades 9–12 during the school day, in partnership with school administrators, teachers, and partner community organizations, helping students build sustained preparation for postsecondary success over multiple years.

Durham AIM is funded by the Duke Office of Undergraduate Education, and partners with Advise NC & UNC College Advising Corp. 

Our Advising Model

• Uses a near-peer, one-on-one advising model pairing Durham high school students with trained Duke undergraduate and graduate student mentors.
• Students typically meet with their mentor for approximately 30 minutes every other week, with flexibility based on student needs, availability, and school schedules.
• Students may join Durham AIM at any point during grades 9–12 and can continue receiving advising support throughout the remainder of their high school experience.
• Advising focuses on college exploration, academic planning, application strategy, and financial aid literacy.
• When appropriate, students are referred to partner-based supports ( tutoring, ACT preparation, etc) to ensure comprehensive, coordinated support rather than duplication of services.

advisor qualifications

• Advisors are Duke University or University of Chapel Hill undergraduate students in good academic standing.
• Advisors are selected based on demonstrated commitment to educational equity, mentorship, and community engagement.
• All advisors complete Durham Public Schools volunteer clearance and background checks, as well as background checks and training with the Duke Youth Protection office.
• Advisors receive program-specific training on college access advising, financial aid, social-emotional support, and youth engagement prior to placement.
• Advisors serve under the supervision of Durham AIM leadership and in coordination with school administrators and counselors at all times.

Partner High Schools

• C.E Jordan High School
• Riverside High School
• JD Clement Early College High School
• Hillside High School
• Northern High School
• Southern School of Energy and Sustainability
• City of Medicine Academy