The YMCA of the Triangle began exploring putting a Y facility in Southeast Raleigh. In 2011, they formed a task force of community leaders to help find a location for the facility. At the same time, the AJ Fletcher Foundation was having similar conversations with community leaders including the Y task force about the collective impact model and the work of the East Durham Children’s Initiative. They could see the value of bringing the collective impact model to Southeast Raleigh. Community volunteers began exploring Purpose Built Communities Model. The group traveled a few times to see the success of the East Lake Initiative in Atlanta.

In 2015, Southeast Raleigh Promise was formed to lead the vision into execution with Kia Baker, Southeast Raleigh native hired as the Executive Director. The YMCA if the Triangle closed on the “Beacon Site” in November 2015. The Wake County Public School System joined the initiative in 2016 with a commitment to support an elementary school that was responsive to the needs of the community. In 2019, WCPSS partnered with the YMCA of the Triangle and opened Southeast Raleigh Elementary School. 

Our school is an endeavor intended to create pathways for emerging neighborhoods whose residents would be able to build a better future through education, wellness, housing, medical access, and access to healthy foods.

Southeast Raleigh Elementary School serves more than 400 students and includes a gymnasium, workout space, group fitness room, rooftop garden, multipurpose space, and an outdoor swimming pool.