The Aaron Young Scholars program offers young people from Durham the opportunity to do research in social sciences

“By observing how students incorporate their personal experiences into their research, the Cook Center can learn from the emerging generation of scholars,” Ruff said.

Students select topics, which are often related to issues they face. This year, the 49 projects included studies on the experiences of Central American immigrants in higher education, the disenfranchisement of minority voters, mental health issues and racial disparities in mortality rates.

Durham’s three-week summer social science program for students is free and helps train students to develop an interest in researching issues of economic, social, and political inequality.

The ceremony also featured two keynote speakers who praised the students for their work and encouraged them to continue exploring these topics throughout their careers.

Tia Hodges, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation, encouraged students to make their voices heard, reminding them that “speaking up and speaking out is a gift you give to your audience.” Mark Harris, senior director of The JPB Foundation’s community and worker power program, adapting “an old 20th-century saying” about thinking globally and acting locally, applauded students for their interest in working to understand systemic inequalities. He concluded by urging students to “come together to use your knowledge and power to make a difference.”

Other speakers included Dr. Iwinosa Idahor, coordinator of student equity, engagement and opportunity 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.

The Aaron Young Program follows Samuel Cook’s legacy of training young social science scholars to study issues of inequality. The center continues that mission.

“You are generating diamonds that will grow into shining stars,” Cook told the students, “and you will lead the way and make the world a brighter place.”

Durham school officials and politicians have cited the program as a learning experience for local students. On Aug. 22, the students were honored at a Durham County Board of Education meeting.

To see more details about this year’s capstone project, including student projects, please visit the Young Scholars page on the Cook Center website.