School Tools

Orange Converse All-Star sneakers and brown track pants; a student in a Durham NC school

KRAMDEN

This local nonprofit is helping to bridge the digital divide through various programs, including its popular workshops where volunteers get together to put together computers for donation to people in need. Here are some of their main activities:

Helping people “get tech”
- Giving free computers to students (parents/guardians can nominate their child(ren) for the Kramden Tech Scholars program to get a free desktop computer with wifi adapter and webcam; click here to apply)
- Selling affordable laptop and desktop computers to low-income adults (click here to learn more about the Technology Access Program)
- Providing IT solutions for community organizations
- Making surplus sales open to the public

Helping people “learn tech”
- Offering free adult computer-basics classes (adults who complete the Computer Basics course receive free computers; click here to check the schedule)
- Offering hands-on camps and afterschool programs to young students
- Leading technology workshops for young people and adults

Encouraging people to “give tech”
- Asking local individuals, companies, and organizations to donate new and used tech
- Providing volunteer and corporate service opportunities
- Requesting monetary gifts to support Kramden’s programs.

LEGAL AID OF NORTH CAROLINA

website

Legal Aid NC heads the Right to Education Project (REP) to make sure every student gets access to a good education regardless of their involvement with the legal/justice system. Their main goal is to dismantle the “school-to-prison pipeline.” Families can get legal advice and representation iin cases involving denial of enrollment, exclusionary discipline (like unlawful suspensions or expulsions), failure to meet special-education needs, or harassment/discrimination. Through their work with parents, workshops, and partnerships with youth-justice organizations, Legal Aid NC aims to help families understand the system, stand up for their kids, and make sure schools provide good educations and support for all students. Visit the website for self-advocacy tools, ways to contact Legal Aid NC, and to sign up for their monthly newsletter.

DURHAM’S PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN

Jim & Carolyn Hunt Child Care Resource Center, 1201 S Briggs St, Suite 100, 919-403-6960, website

Durham’s Partnership for Children helps families make sure that their children (up to age 5) are introduced to literacy and other skills so they’re ready for school and ready to flourish. Here are four programs that DPfC would like parents/caregivers to take a look at:

Dolly Parton’s Imaginary Library—Enroll your child (age 4 and younger) and they’ll receive one age-appropriate book every month; click here for more info
Early Head Start—Low-income expecting moms and families with little ones up to age 3 can choose an early literacy program in the home or childcare center; click here for more info
Durham Pre-K—All local 4-year-olds are eligible to attend high-quality classroom programs (in both public and private settings); click here for more info
Ready4K—Parents and caregivers of children up to age 8 can receive tips via text that help them build their kids’ language and literacy skills.

EL CENTRO HISPANO

2000 Chapel Hill Rd, Suite 26a, in the Lakewood Shopping Center, 919-687-4635, website

El Centro Hispano has a K-12 Tutoring Program for students (in both English and Spanish), where each child works one-on-one with a tutor to strengthen their reading, writing, and math skills, and to gain confidence in themselves. Tutoring sessions are held on Wednesdays, 4–5pm and 5–6pm; each student meets for one hour with his or her tutor, and the learning sessions are based on their individual needs. Virtual tutoring is also available on Thursdays, 6–7pm. The cost for the entire school year is $35 per student or $45 per family. Be sure to provide a copy of your child’s most recent record card so the tutor can track his or her progress. Orientation for the 2026 school year will be held on Wednesday, January 14; click here to register.

DURHAM PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN

1905 Chapel Hill Rd, 919-489-8383, website

The Durham Literacy Center helps adults improve their reading and comprehension skills with the aid of dedicated volunteers. Some want to earn their GEDs in order to continue their education or get jobs, and others want to be able to help their kids with their schoolwork. Others want to expand on a newfound interest in reading for pleasure and new ideas. Classes and tutoring sessions are free of charge. Here are the programs they offer:

Adult Literacy—People age 18+ are matched with trained volunteer tutors or placed in small classes led by staff members. They get help learning how to read and write well enough to fulfill their personal goals. Click here to volunteer; click here to register as a student
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)—People age 18+ join small classes and practice English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while also exploring topics like housing, transportation, employment, shopping, and education. Click here to volunteer; click here to register as a student from Friday, August 1–Sunday, August 10
Youth Achievement Program—Out-of-school young people ages 16 to 24 get intensive and individualized high-school equivalency instruction so they’ll be ready for college and jobs; click here to volunteer
Aprendan Inglés—Tienen clases gratuitas de inglés para ayudar con el trabajo, el cuidado de la salud, las escuela de sus hijos, y las emergencias; llame al 919-489-8383 (se habla español)
Computer Classes—Learn basic skills, including checking email, using a mouse, common software programs, navigating the internet, and filling out online applications
DLC-Threshold Reading and Math Class—A staff member teaches a reading and math class at the Threshold Clubhouse for adults living with severe mental illness.

SEMINAR FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES

APlus Test Prep will host Preparing for High School Success: A Session for Middle School Families on Tuesday, August 12, 6:30–7:30pm, at the Durham County Main Library (300 N Roxboro St, in the Auditorium). Get tips on helping your make a smooth transition from middle school to high school. Click here for more info and to register.

STUDENT U

WG Pearson Center (600 E Umstead St), website:

Following the motto, “Empowering Students, Building Leaders, Changing Communities,” educators/staff with this nonprofit organization support middle and high school students with educational and lifeskills programming as they make their way to college. Students can get tutoring, go on college tours, gain financial literacy, and attend year-round afterschool programs. College students can learn about scholarships, getting mentors, and receiving individualized year-round support. Click on the website (above) for more info on upcoming workshops, consultations, and programs.

Adults who are interested in being volunteer tutors, can click here to sign up. Volunteers serve at least once a week during afternoon or evening hours for a semester (usually from 1 to 2 hours per session). You can choose to volunteer in person or virtually.

BRAINFUSE

Brainfuse is a website where students with an internet connection and Durham County Library card can get free online tutoring and homework help. First, go to the library’s website (durhamcountylibrary.org) and click on “Online Resources.” You’ll see some choices; click on “Get Homework Help.” Choose “Brainfuse” from the list; when you enter your library card number, be sure not to leave any spaces. If you set up a Brainfuse account, you’ll be able to save your study sessions and tests and to receive messages.

Parents can help choose lessons that are aligned with state education standards; you can get live, real-time help.
If you click on “Expert Help” and then “Live Tutoring” between 2 and 11pm, you’ll be able to find an online instructor.
When you click on “Writing Lab,” you’ll be able to upload something you have written and have it analyzed by a writing expert. They’ll make helpful comments so you can go back and improve it with edits and rewrites.
If you’re studying a foreign language, you can click on “Language Lab” and get help from a language tutor.
Click on “LEAP Learning Platform” to take practice tests for SAT. GED, Reading, Writing, and College Prep Math.

Brainfuse isn’t just for students. The Adult Learning Center offers live online help for GED preparation, resumés, cover letters, MS Office skill development, and preparation for US citizenship. If you prefer to learn in Spanish, you can always click on “Español” in the upper right-hand corner.

VILLAGE OF WISDOM

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The Village of Wonder has started Dreamship, a black parent fellowship, which has four goals, which are to explore:

How to rest in Blackness and heal through Black Genius
How to use creativity and art to protect Black Genius
How to use research and design to protect Black Genius, and
How to change the way educators teach and protect Black Genius.

Their approach is to encourage and uplift black students, some of whom might feel that being black is a disadvantage. Parents are invited to click here for more info and to fill out the interest form so they can attend meetings and workshops to help their children.

Feel free to explore the website to learn about additional programs and activities.

DPS FAMILY ACADEMY

Durham Public Schools’ DPS Family Academy will start up again when school starts. Speakers provide helpful information and tips for parents/grands/caregivers of DPS students to help them thrive in the school environment. Follow the DPS Family Academy on Facebook.