Aaron Young Scholars Program Gives Durham Youths a Chance at Social Science Research
![Amanitore Truitt shows her research on the correlation of literacy rates and incarceration.](/sites/default/files/styles/5_3_max_width_575px/public/2024-08/DT%20Magazine%20%2899%29.jpg?itok=OXp91f6x)
“By observing students incorporate their personal experiences into their research, the Cook Center can learn from the emerging generation of scholars,” Ruff said.
Students select the topics, often related to issues they encounter. This year, among the 49 projects were studies of the experiences of Central American immigrants in higher education, disenfranchisement of minority voters, issues of mental health and racial disparities in mortality rates.
![Billye Suber Aaron and Sylvia Cook talk at the capstone event at the Washington Duke Inn.](/sites/default/files/2024-08/53920416466_f34e4908eb_k.jpg)
The three-week summer social science program for Durham students is free and helps train the students to develop an interest in researching issues of economic, social, and political inequality.
The ceremony also featured two keynote speakers who praised students for their work and encouraged them to continue to explore these issues throughout their careers.
Tia Hodges, president & CEO of MetLife Foundation, encouraged students to use their voices, reminding them that “speaking and speaking up is a gift you give to your audience.” Mark Harris, senior program officer of community and worker power for The JPB Foundation, in adapting "an old saying from the 20th century" about thinking globally and acting locally, applauded students for their interest in working to understand systemic inequities. He concluded by urging the students to "come together to use your knowledge and power to make a difference."
Other speakers included Dr. Iwinosa Idahor, student equity, engagement, and opportunity coordinator for Durham Public Schools; community activist and educator Billye Suber Aaron, for whom the program is named; and Sylvia Cook, wife of noted political scientist and educator Samuel DuBois Cook, for whom the Cook Center is named.
![Aaron Scholars outside the Durham PUblic Schools administrative building.](/sites/default/files/2024-08/DT%20Magazine%20%2898%29.jpg)
The Aaron Young Scholars program is in keeping with Samuel Cook’s legacy of developing young social science scholars to study issues of inequality. The center continues that mission.
"You are sparking diamonds that will grow into luminous stars," said Cook to the students, "and you will lead the way and make the world a brighter place."
The program has been cited by Durham school and political officials as creating learning experiences for local students. On Aug. 22, the students were honored at a meeting of the Durham County Board of Education.
To view more details from this year’s capstone, including the student projects, visit the Young Scholars page on the Cook Center website.