Southern School of Energy and Sustainability

The mission of Career and Technical Education (CTE) is to empower all students to be successful citizens, workers and leaders in a global economy. CTE gives purpose to learning by emphasizing real-world skills and practical knowledge. Programs in Career and Technical Education are designed to contribute to the broad educational achievement of students, including basic skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as their ability to work independently and as part of a team, think creatively, solve problems, and utilize technology. These tools and experiences make school more relevant, and ensure students are ready for the real world. Whether students plan to further their education in community colleges, technical schools, four-year colleges and universities, receive on-the-job training, or pursue careers in the military, CTE can be the first step in a pathway toward productive employment and citizenship. CTE is learning that works for North Carolina.

At Southern School of Energy & Sustainability, we aim to support each child in their pursuits. Our goal is that all students will be career-ready when they graduate. We do this through activities that fall under the Durham Public Schools 3-2-1 Future Ready Initiative.

All DPS high school students will have a minimum of three career awareness and two career exposure activities, plus one job, internship or other career experience, by the time they graduate. This will help ensure students graduate "future ready" - with the knowledge and skills to be on track for the rewarding career path of their choice. Local employers provide work-based learning experiences, bridging the "skills gap" and developing their pipeline of desperately needed talent. 

As a department, Southern School of Energy & Sustainability provides career development and exploration through several career clusters. The course curriculum taught ensures that our students have real world experience, interpersonal and career-related skills.