The Emily Krzyzewski Center, a learning center that serves high-potential, economically disadvantaged students, hosted a free basketball clinic for local girls and boys on Saturday, Sept. 26. The center worked with Duke University and N.C. Central University's neighborhood programs and community centers to include youth who participate in enrichment and academic programs around each campus. The free clinic was part of a weekend celebrating the first football game between Duke and NCCU.

Seventy young people in grades 5-8 took part in the clinic, led by Jason (Jay) Williams and Rising Stars. They, along with student-athletes from both the men's and women's basketball teams from NCCU and Duke, ran ball-handling, shooting, and skills stations. Jay Williams concluded each session by speaking with the students about the importance of hard work and being respectful to everyone with whom they interact. Each student received free T-shirts from both NCCU and Duke and was able to spend time meeting and learning from student-athletes from both universities.

This was a great opportunity to bring together deserving students from across Durham to participate in a fun and educational clinic celebrating a historic event in our community. Students left with new skills and new inspiration to pursue their dreams. I am certain that the chance to interact with student-athletes from our area schools will serve as lasting motivation for the participants to pursue both their athletic and academic goals.

The Emily K Center is unique in that it provides individualized support at every stage of a student's educational career - from kindergarten through college. To learn more visit our Web site at www.emilyk.org.

Marleah Rogers

CEO and president, Emily K Center