What BUILD means: BUILD stands for Building Undergraduate Involvement in the Life of Durham.
Each year, we build a community of upperclass crew leaders and first-year “crewlettes” who grow close through service, mentorship, and shared experiences across Durham.
 

How the program works: Project BUILD brings together crews that spend the program visiting service sites in Durham. First-years and returning participants bond quickly as they serve together, explore the city, and learn what Duke life can look like beyond the classroom. Examples of service sites include Durham Public Schools, Durham Food Bank, Durham Diaper Bank, Meals on Wheels, APS, and more. 
 

Mentorship and community: Crew leaders come from across Duke’s academic and co-curricular spectrum and serve as mentors as first-years transition into campus life and Durham life. The goal is simple - make sure every first-year feels supported, seen, and connected from the start.
 

The fun part (because it matters): Service is central, but BUILD is also known for the nightly entertainment and bonding traditions that make the community feel like a family. From costume trampolining to crew bowling and lake trips, BUILD creates the kind of shared memories that turn acquaintances into close friends. Each day ends with late-night crew bonding - a space to talk, reflect, and share what makes you uniquely you. BUILDers across class years consistently say those late-night conversations were where they grew the most, learned about all sides of Duke life, and found friendships that lasted.