DURHAM -- Dozens of students in Durham are stepping into the role of teacher this summer. They're helping college students who want to become teachers, while those students help them succeed in the classroom.

That's the idea behind "Student U," a six-week summer program held on the campus of Durham Academy.

"We're kind of teaching each other," explained Jamie Bennett, a science teacher in the program. "I'm learning from them and they're learning from me."

Fifty rising sixth graders from Durham public schools spend six weeks in class with aspiring teachers from Duke University, Central University, UNC Chapel Hill, Brown University, and Oberlin College. Veteran teachers work with the college students.

"These students are the people who will wind up changing the world one day," said Dan Kimberg, co-founder and director of the program. "And it just seemed like it made sense to have a program which would help them fulfill that promise."

It requires a three-year commitment from students. They return the summer before seventh grade, and the summer before eighth grade. This summer is the program's first year in operation, and it's already paying off for students like Joy Wright and Micah Riley.

"I wasn't that good at math going into the 5th grade, but since I've been here, I've learned more of what I need to," said Riley.

Wright said she enjoys the program's English classes.

"My favorite subject is English," she said. "I like reading, and reading is my favorite subject in school because I like mystery books and action books like Nancy Drew."

The lessons in subjects such as English, science and math don't end when summer ends. Once the school year begins the teachers and students meet weekly for tutoring sessions.

"This is more than just a six week commitment," Kimberg said. "We want to show these students that we really truly care about their well-being, not just for one small period of time, but we're going to stick with them all the way through middle school, through high school and watch as they get into college."

Kimberg said next year the program will add 50 more students, and 50 more the following year. He has high hopes for the school's future.

"I think it could turn into a year-round school, I think it could turn into a model of education," said Kimberg. "There are a lot of people doing a lot of great, innovative things with education, and I think 'Student U' could be a part of this whole movement to really educate our youth."