I am DOPE

06/10/2026

Would you know how to make a great first impression at a scholarship banquet, job interview lunch, networking event, or formal dinner?

I Am DOPE invites teens ages 11-18 to join us for Dining Etiquette: Confidence at the Table, an exciting EmpowerU Academy workshop featuring guest presenter Ms. Jeanine Holland!

Students will learn essential dining etiquette skills while building the confidence to navigate professional and social settings with poise and professionalism.

Saturday, June 13, 2026
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
✔️ Durham, NC (location provided upon registration)
✔️ In-Person & Virtual Options Available
✔️ Free Breakfast
✔️ Kahoot Competition with Cash Prize
✔️ Table Setting Demonstration
✔️ Free for Youth Ages 11–18

This workshop is part of the EmpowerU Academy series, designed to help teens develop the life skills, confidence, and professionalism needed for success after high school.

Reserve your seat today!

Durham, NC Delfiscio (Coach D.) McDonald, Executive Director

06/09/2026

Would you know how to make a great first impression at a scholarship banquet, job interview lunch, networking event, or formal dinner?

I Am DOPE invites tees ages 11-13 to join us for Dining Etiquette: Confidence at the Table, an exciting EmpowerU Academy workshop featuring guest presenter Ms. Jeanine Holland!

Students will learn essential dining etiquette skills while building the confidence to navigate professional and social settings with poise and professionalism.

Saturday, June 13, 2026
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
✔️ Durham, NC (location provided upon registration)
✔️ In-Person & Virtual Options Available
✔️ Free Breakfast
✔️ Kahoot Competition with Cash Prize
✔️ Table Setting Demonstration
✔️ Free for Youth Ages 11–18

This workshop is part of the EmpowerU Academy series, designed to help teens develop the life skills, confidence, and professionalism needed for success after high school.

Reserve your seat today:
https://calendly.com/ddmcdonald/empoweru-workshops-2026?month=2026-06

Durham, NC Delfiscio (Coach D.) McDonald, Executive Director

06/02/2026

Thank you to our guest speakers, Mr. Christopher M. Young , federal criminal defense attorney, and Mr. Joseph Ross, Trial Supervisor for the Eastern District of North Carolina Federal Public Defender’s Office, for sharing their knowledge and passion for civil rights and law enforcement interaction education with our EmpowerU students. We would also like to thank retired Officer B.J. Council, owner of You and Five-O, for providing her valuable insight from the law enforcement perspective.

Students learned about important topics including constitutional rights, consent, searches and seizures, de-escalation, and respectful communication during law enforcement interactions. One major highlight was the mock trial demonstration, where students experienced courtroom roles and decision-making firsthand.

Our top takeaway: young people should understand both their rights as citizens and how to interact calmly, respectfully, and confidently with law enforcement.

Special thanks to the Riverside High School Athletic Department for partnering with I Am DOPE to bring this important workshop to teens in our community free of charge.

Bull City Bruins Bull City Lady Bruins

05/27/2026

How should teens handle real-world interactions as they gain more independence and begin driving?

Join attorney, Christopher Young, for our EmpowerU workshop, “Know Your Rights,” where students will learn about respectful communication, responsible decision-making, and understanding their rights during interactions with law enforcement.

Saturday, May 30, 2026
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Riverside High School, Durham, NC

Free breakfast provided. Attendance is strongly encouraged for all teens, especially new and future drivers.

Reserve your seat today:

From money smarts to leadership power, the 2026 Empower U workshop lineup is all about building your future! Select your workshops below and reserve your seat today.The 2025/26 Fall-Winter Empower U Workshop schedule: Mar. 14, 2026 – Hands-On Future: Exploring High-Demand Skilled Trades – A work...

05/27/2026

How should teens handle real-world interactions as they gain more independence and begin driving?

Join attorney Christopher Young for our EmpowerU workshop, “Know Your Rights,” where students will learn about respectful communication, responsible decision-making, and understanding their rights during interactions with law enforcement.

Saturday, May 30, 2026
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Riverside High School, Durham, NC

Free breakfast provided. Attendance is strongly encouraged for all teens, especially new and future drivers.

Reserve your seat today:
https://calendly.com/ddmcdonald/empoweru-workshops-2026

05/27/2026

How should teens handle real-world interactions as they gain more independence and begin driving?

Join attorney Christopher Young for our EmpowerU workshop, “Know Your Rights,” where students will learn about respectful communication, responsible decision-making, and understanding their rights during interactions with law enforcement.

Saturday, May 30, 2026
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Riverside High School – Trailer 2
3218 Rose of Sharon Rd., Durham, NC

Free breakfast provided. Attendance is strongly encouraged for all teens, especially new and future drivers.

Reserve your seat today:
https://calendly.com/ddmcdonald/empoweru-workshops-2026

05/23/2026

Listen to our brother, program supporter, and Duke legend Gene Banks give discuss how he helped build Duke Men's Basketball to the powerhouse it is today on Guess the Guest Live!

03/28/2026

Hi everyone! The student athletes of our Bull City Bruins is fundraising to help cover gym time and keep our club costs as low as possible for familiesin the Durham, NC community.

If you’d like to support, you can shop using our link below.

Not a popcorn fan but still want to help? Click “Shop to Support” and select “Donation” to contribute directly to our team.

Thank you so much for your support!

Click here to buy our delicious popcorn and 50% of your purchase benefits this fundraiser.