Founded by former Duke men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski and named in honor of his mother, Emily, the center has grown from a single program serving 38 young people into a bustling hub that now reaches over 2,000 students each year.
Krzyzewski envisioned the center as a way to extend the values that shaped his own experience as a first-generation college student. Two decades later, that mission continues to anchor the organization's work.
Since opening its doors in February 2006, the center has steadily expanded its programming and partnerships across the city. Today, staff members support students as they move from elementary school through high school, into college and into the early stages of their careers, helping them set goals, build confidence and find meaningful pathways forward.
Dr. Valerie Anderson, the center's chief executive officer, says the focus has remained consistent: opening doors for those who face the steepest obstacles.
"We want to make sure that young people who face particular barriers to connecting to higher education have the opportunity and support it takes to define their goals -- and actually link to those goals," Anderson said.
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Over time, the center's work has grown beyond academics alone. Leadership development, career exploration and long-term mentorship now play central roles in the student experience. Alumni frequently return to share their achievements, many having progressed from elementary-age participants to college graduates and early-career professionals.
"Seeing kids we've known as third or fourth graders come back as college students -- and now even young professionals -- is a special part of the work we do," Anderson said.
In 20 years, over 12,500 students have taken part in Emily K Center programs. With strong community support, the organization hopes to expand its reach even further.
"We want to continue to be here as long as disparities in educational and career outcomes exist for our young people," Anderson said. "We want to be in the game."
To commemorate its 20th anniversary, the center has launched a campaign to raise $25,000 in support of its programs. Center-level sponsor Nuna Baby is matching all gifts up to $25,000, doubling the impact of each donation.