Portia Parris Fellowship
The Portia M. Parris Fellowship (formerly known as NC LEAP) is a development and leadership cohort focused on Rockingham County youth enrolled in elementary and middle school.
About the Program
Portia M. Parris Fellowship Youth Cohort
Since 2017, NC 100 has supported more than 180 students and families in Rockingham County through the NC LEAP program, in partnership with the Reidsville Teen Center and Hayes Taylor YMCA Achievers Program. Participants were offered opportunities of exposure to different career pathways, localities, cultures and experiences inside and outside of Rockingham County.
Built by the community. Working for the community.
The Need
Recent studies have reported that nearly one third of Black and Latino/a/x students come from economically disadvantaged families. These students are often in schools with fewer resources and are less likely to be college-ready upon graduation.Â
Same studies reported that young people who are surrounded by a variety of opportunities for positive encounters engage in less dangerous behaviors. Positive youth development programs, such as the Parris Fellowship, will engage youth by empowering them to reach their full potential.Â
Community
Creating Healthy Relationships
Creation
Promoting Safe & Inclusive Spaces
Collaboration
School + Family + Community
Contribution
NC 100 Commitment to the Youth
Our Vision
The Portia M. Parris Fellowship is open to all, as it centers the experiences of Black and Latino/a/x communities into our current curriculum. We believe this will equip a generation of thinkers with opportunities that will cultivate & enrich their academic, leadership, and career development skills.Â
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower and support youth through awareness and access leading them to self-defined success.
Join Our Program
Portia M. Parris Fellowship
A youth development fellowship supporting academic growth, social enrichment, mental health awareness, and college & career readiness.
What the Fellowship Provides
The Portia M. Parris Fellowship aims to be leadership and personal development experience. The Fellowship nurtures confidence, curiosity, and community leadership through immersive learning, family engagement, and cultural exploration.
Two learning based cohorts will launch in 2026:
Cohort 1
Ages 8 – 12 includes thoughtful activity about:
- What do I even like?
- Academic Confidence and Readiness
- Social-Emotional and Leadership Growth
Cohort 2
Ages 13-20 includes thoughtful activity about:
- How do I take my interest and make a life plan?
- Academic Confidence, College Funding and Success Readiness
- Social-Emotional and Leadership Growth, Networking
- Civic Participation
Who Can Join Us (Eligibility Snapshot)
- Rising 3rd–9th grade students (ages 8–15)
- Rockingham County public or charter school students
- Open to underrepresented students and allies
Cost
- Free to all selected participants
Reach To Us
- Visit: www.nc-100.org
- Application link on homepage
- Need paper form or accommodations?
- Email: ParrisFellows@nc-100.org | Call: 336.348.7980
More Information (Checklist)
- Final report card
- Essay or video essay
- Letter of recommendation
Our friends & 
supporters
