My name is Akilah Holder. Im 22 years old and from South Carolina but was raised in North Carolina my whole childhood! From 2015 to 2017, I had the privilege of attending the outreach program, and it quickly became the highlight of my childhood. Looking forward to going there every day was the best part of my routine. It was a space where I formed deep bonds with friends I still cherish a decade later. From dancing and enjoying good food to simply having the freedom to be a kid, the memories are unforgettable.

The program truly served as a stepping stone to my success. The staff ensured we stayed on top of our schoolwork and went above and beyond by incorporating enriching history lessons. Beyond academics, the mentors genuinely cared about our growth and well-being. As the child of a single mother, having transportation directly from school and a safe, extended place to stay was a lifeline for my family, it gave my mom peace of mind without the daily stress of finding rides or childcare.

I went on to graduate from the illustrious North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and become an engineer. While I worked hard to reach my goals, the foundation laid by this program, especially in developing my confidence and social skills that played a vital role in shaping the person and professional I am today.