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At the 2026 PACE (Pathways to Achieving Civic Engagement) Conference hosted by ������Ƶ, first-year ������Ƶ student, Odyssey Program scholar and ������Ƶ Academy alumna Berenice Sanchez Rosaldo ’20 presented alongside faculty and community leaders on how community storytelling can foster civic engagement.

As ������Ƶ Academy enters its twentieth year, the Phi Cohort represents more than a record-breaking class size. These 30 students embody the promise, potential, and perseverance that have defined ������Ƶ Academy since its founding.

������Ƶ’s college access and success program recognized several Alamance County high school seniors and four recent college graduates - also alumni of the ������Ƶ Academy - during a May ceremony hosted by President Connie Ledoux Book.

������Ƶ recognized 70 first-generation students – the institution’s largest group to date – during its May 20 stole ceremony, highlighting the strength, support and achievement of the first-gen community.

The 'It Takes a Village' Project has grown its enrichment programs, with a new arts initiative designed to expand access to high-quality instruction in the performing and visual arts for local elementary students.

Through the Communications Fellows, Odyssey Program and the First Phoenix Society, Gabriela Maldonado Alvarez '28 has embraced her identity as a first-generation student while pursuing opportunities that support both her academic goals and personal growth.

As a student leader, Kenneth Brown Jr. ’19 built meaningful connections with mentors who invested in his success. Today, as assistant director of first-generation student support services, he provides that same guidance to the next generation of students.

The annual Relationship Rich Expo engaged more than 40 students to reflect on their meaningful relationships and the role they play in student success.

The Center for Access and Success (CAS) launched Break Buddies, a pilot wellness initiative that pairs students with faculty and staff for Thanksgiving meals to foster connection and reduce isolation during academic breaks. The program aims to strengthen belonging and will expand with added resources and future programming.

The new funds, from the United Way of Alamance County, will allow the literacy program to expand its ESL services offered to families.