The College Readiness Mentorship Program at Duke University started as a pilot in 2025 with four high school students. These students were members of newcomer families who arrived as guests in our Triangle Welcome Houses. They met with a small group of Duke University students at Temple Baptist Church to discuss ways to support the hopes and dreams of high schoolers whose goals were to attend college.
These conversations were the foundation of a successful pilot, leading Duke students and coordinators to present a proposal to university leaders to support newcomer students from the Triangle Welcome Houses. This support took shape through recruiting Duke student volunteers to provide mentoring, encouragement and share their college experiences. The program may continue annually as a Duke Humanities initiative.
Tasked with identifying students and parents who desire their high schoolers to attend college, I reached out to potential participants as Duke coordinators recruited student volunteers. I was able to recruit fifteen students in grades 9-12 who were excited to join the program. I was even more thrilled to meet over 25 Duke volunteer students who were eager to mentor and encourage the high school students.
Duke also partnered with the Emily K. Center in Durham and they offered resources to support newcomer students in the transition from high school to college acceptance.
The official program launched in January with a gathering of newcomer parents, who asked questions, met with college students and learned more about the program goals.
The first session for students and Duke University volunteers began on January 21, 2026. The sessions meet twice monthly and will continue through April 15, 2026. College mentors share their experiences and encourage students as they imagine their own futures in higher education. Students work together in pods with mentors, and the energy observed at sessions is truly a blessing!
Families have expressed strong appreciation for the program and the university’s partnership. One participating student, who graduates in 2026, has received admission to four universities!
Randy Carter, Welcome Network director of CBFNC shares: “I am excited about this effort and the partnership with Duke. It represents what we long for across the Welcome House ministries and throughout the Welcome Network: long-term relationships that open opportunities to support families far beyond their arrival. This is just one example of what can happen through consistent presence and relationships.”
Delores Stimpson, Temple Baptist Church and recent Global Service Corps (Post-Career) missionary with CBF
