In a heartening celebration on June 27, NBA luminary Kevin Durant, alongside his mother Wanda Durant, commemorated the achievements of 51 graduating Prince George’s County high school seniors destined for college this fall. The venue, The Durant Center, situated in Durant’s hometown of Suitland, Maryland, stands as a testament to the transformative power of educational equity. Established in 2018 through a collaboration between College Track, the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation, Prince George’s County, and Prince George’s County Public Schools, The Durant Center has become a beacon of hope for talented youth seeking educational opportunities.
Addressing Inequity:
Despite the abundance of talent in Prince George’s County, there exists a disparity in opportunities for its youth to contribute to the local economy with their knowledge and abilities. Currently, only 40% of citizens possess a bachelor’s degree, while 87% hold a high school diploma. The College Track program at The Durant Center aims to change this narrative by preparing 230 scholars to attain a bachelor’s degree, marking a historic milestone for their families. Over ten years, from ninth grade through college graduation, College Track provides extensive academic, financial, and social-emotional programming to dismantle obstacles to completing college, empowering students to leverage their bachelor’s degree for a life of opportunity, control, and choice.
Kevin Durant’s Vision:
“Meaningful accomplishments take time,” stated Kevin Durant, expressing pride in the scholars who, over four years, navigated through challenging times to graduate high school and embark on their college journeys. He eagerly anticipates witnessing their future accomplishments, emphasizing his commitment to supporting them as they work towards their next goals.
Wanda Durant’s Perspective:
Wanda Durant echoed the sentiment, describing the inaugural event as phenomenal and inspiring. She highlighted the transformative impact that her son’s chosen path will have on the lives of students and their families for generations. Privileged to be part of the partnership with College Track, Wanda Durant expressed her honor in contributing to the positive trajectory of communities through education.
Transformative Futures:
The 51 scholars from The Durant Center are not merely graduating high school; they are embarking on a transformative journey to various universities. These institutions include American University, Bowie State University, Howard University, Northwestern University, Sewanee: The University of the South, Towson University, Tulane University, University of Maryland, and others. This marks a significant step towards breaking barriers, as these scholars prepare to shape their futures and contribute meaningfully to society.
Conclusion:
The Durant Center stands as a living testament to the transformative power of education when combined with a vision for social change. Kevin Durant and Wanda Durant’s commitment to breaking down barriers, fostering education, and empowering the next generation demonstrates the profound impact that influential figures can have on communities. As the 51 scholars embark on their college journeys, The Durant Center serves as a beacon of hope, proving that through education, lives can be transformed, and futures can be rewritten.
