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DPS CTE Awarded the Workforce Innovation Fund (EWIF) grant
Durham Public Schools Career & Technical Education was recently awarded the Education and Workforce Innovation Fund (EWIF) grant. The grant provides $120,000 over two years to expand internships and other work-based experiences for high school juniors and seniors.
The grant builds upon and advances an existing DPS initiative, the 3-2-1 Future Ready Initiative, which aims for all high school students to complete three career awareness activities, two career exposure activities, and one career experience by the time they graduate. Activities span a continuum of work-based learning that includes industry guest speakers, career and college expos, field experiences, job shadowing, internships, and apprenticeships.
Several corporate and community partners submitted letters in support of the initiative, including Merck, Kimley-Horn, LeChase Construction, Raleigh-Durham JATC, Durham County, and Durham Technical Community College. These organizations pledged to provide career exposure for students and to help guide CTE in aligning curriculum with industry needs. In her letter of support, the Chair of the Durham County Commissioners, Brenda Howerton, expressed that investment in internships and work-based learning “benefits the whole of Durham and wider Triangle region by building a qualified local workforce, closing equity gaps for low-income and minority students, and equipping young people with essential life and career skills.”
The Education and Workforce Innovation Fund is administered by the NC Department of Public Instruction.
Businesses and industry professionals wishing to provide students with internships and other career development experiences, or to provide sponsorship, may contact Dr. Julie Pack, Executive Director of Career & Technical Education and Magnet Programs, at julie_pack@dpsnc.net.