Mission:
Focusing community resources to ensure the highest achievement of all children in public schools

Founded with seed grants from the Durham Jaycees, the Junior League of Durham and Orange Counties and the Triangle Community Foundation, The Durham Public Education Network (DPEN) was established in 1986 to encourage the Durham community to come together in support of its public schools.

The Network is part of a national organization, the Public Education Network (PEN), based in Washington DC. Their mission is to create systems of public education that result in high achievement for every child.

While each PEN member organization may differ in specific programs, each holds to these basic beliefs:

Equal opportunity and access to quality public education and an informed citizenry are all vital components of a democratic society

Public schools are the critical institutions for breaking the cycle of poverty