Initiatives

Goal 1

Prepare our most vulnerable students and graduates of 2020-2023 for security and success in the post-pandemic economy

  • Keep Exploring Duke University

    Keep Exploring is an initiative designed to create connections, facilitate learning opportunities, and foster professional experiences among current Duke students and recent graduates. Originally a response to the impact of COVID-19 on the job market, the initiative has evolved into a long-term engagement plan, matching students with alumni and parent sponsors for professional opportunities in their areas of interest. Post-pandemic, the Keep Exploring initiative will continue connecting students to professional mentors, as well as begin to build a structure of financial support for unpaid work experiences.

Goal 2

Support and partner with our communities and government in an inclusive recovery through and after COVID-19, focusing on displaced workers, adult learners, PK-12 systems, economic development, community health and COVID-19 support

  • Durham Small Business Recovery Fund Duke University

    With 85% of surveyed local businesses reporting revenue loss during the first month of the pandemic, Duke partnered with the city and county to provide support to small businesses through the establishment of the Durham Small Business Recovery Fund. The program provides both grants and loans, as well as technical assistance, to local businesses adversely affected by the pandemic. The program reached $3 million (with $1 million from Duke University for grants and approximately $2 million from the City of Durham and Durham County) and is administered through a partnership with the Carolina Small Business Development Fund.