Partners for Youth

Partners for Youth (PFY) is a year-round mentoring and summer job program for middle and high school students (ages 14- 19 years) based in Southwest Central Durham. PFY is a uniquely comprehensive model which matches each participant with a team of four mentors. PFY strives to create long-term relationships and high-quality enrichment activities that affect every aspect of our students' lives. Our goal is to support and motivate each student as they develop their aspirations for the future and the skills they will need to become successful, contributing members of our community.

PFY surrounds each of the 25 students in the program with four mentors: one in the community, to be available for everyday advice and companionship; one in the student's school, to provide academic counseling and accountability; one in the student's summer internship, to offer advice and support in career pursuits; and one local college student, to meet with the student twice a week for tutoring. Through this comprehensive support network, the student can grow in as many ways as possible during their time in PFY.

Because the student is required to meet with each of their mentors over the course of each month, some discipline and willingness both to participate in events and to learn how to manage time is required of PFY students. Because of these requirements and the limited number of spaces available, there is an application and interview process for entry into the program. Learn more in the "To Participate" section of this website.

• Tutoring-Based Mentor: Tutoring mentors meet with a PFY student twice a week for focus on that student's "challenge classes", two subjects that the student has identified as their most challenging subjects. Tutoring is held on Duke campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 - 5:15 pm. Tutors complete a short application form and are matched with a student, based on gender and subject matter. Because tutoring is held on Duke campus, most tutors are Duke students, but other college students and adults are eligible to apply as well.