Durham County works together. Local leadership, businesses, and individuals consistently collaborate for the betterment of our citizens, youth, and workforce of the future. Here are a few examples of this commitment to excellence.

Made in Durham + DPS 3-2-1

Made in Durham is a nonprofit organization working with a variety of for-profit and nonprofit community partners to create a more equitable and effective education-to-career pipeline. As part of these efforts, Made in Durham has developed a coalition of employers, youth, educators, and other community organizations including the city and county of Durham to expand work-based learning opportunities to ALL of Durham’s youth. Work-based learning is a proven educational strategy that benefits both youth and employers equipping youth with employability skills through career awareness, exposure and experiences.

One of the biggest successes in this collaborative effort is Durham Public School’s creation of the 3-2-1 work-based learning initiative which works to ensure all Durham Public School students will receive 3 career awareness activities and 2 career exposure activities each year and one career experience by the time they graduate. DPS is already off to an amazing start, rolling out the program in 2020 to all of its 9th grade students.

If you are a Durham employer and want to get involved please visit: http://www.dpsnc.net/Page/3951
Or contact Ondrea Austin at Ondrea.Austin@dpsnc.net

WayMakers Collaborative

The WayMakers Collaborative is a public-private partnership of business, education and workforce development partners committed to building a robust pipeline of talent into skilled trades and construction careers in and around Durham. Partners support the DPS Skilled Trades Pathway as well as the Construction Trades Programs at Durham Technical Community College, by serving as guest instructors, providing work-based experiences for students, and advising on curriculum and training labs. To become a WayMakers partner and stay updated on upcoming meetings and opportunities, sign up using this form.

For more information, contact:
•    Jameya Green, Skilled Trades Pathway Coordinator: jameya.green@dpsnc.net or (919) 560-2000 ext. 22754
•    Ondrea Austin, Lead Workforce Development Coordinator: ondrea.austin@dpsnc.net or (919) 560-3858

My Brother's Keeper

In 2014, President Obama launched My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) and issued a powerful call to action to close opportunity gaps facing boys and young men of color. We are proud to say that Durham County was one of the first local networks to accept the community challenge aimed at reducing barriers and expanding opportunity for boys and young men of color. Today, MBK Durham provides, resources, support, funding and we leverage non profit, corporate and philanthropic partners assist us in building safe and supportive communities for boys and young men of color in where they feel valued and have clear pathways to opportunity. 

Learn more about what My Brother’s Keeper Durham does and our Milestones.

Learn more about My Brother’s Keeper Durham Communities and MBK Durham in Action.

If you have any additional questions or would like to contact us regarding partnership or support, contact us directly at mybrotherskeeper@dconc.gov or at (919) 560-8154.

Soil and Water's Bionomic Educational Training Center

Bionomic Educational Training Center (BETC, pronounced “Betsy”) provides funding, work experience, practical math and science lessons and green infrastructure training for Durham Public School students. BETC is a youth workforce development training program that addresses water quality via storm-water retrofit design and implementation. Students are educated about urban stormwater pollution and Best Management Practices (BMPs) to improve water quality, as well as irrigation and off-grid solar power technology. These lessons provide an opportunity for students to explore 21^st century career fields that pay a livable wage.

For more information visit: here

DSS Work First

Work First Family Assistance and Work First Employment Services are provided to enable families to remove barriers and participate in a wide range of activities that will prepare individuals to achieve economic self- sufficiency.

What type of Supportive Services may I potentially be eligible for:
•    Job Search, Skills Training, Work Experiences, Job Readiness, Vocational referrals
•    Transportation Assistance and Work related Expenses
•    Employment related equipment supplies
•    Domestic Violence, Mental Health and Substance Abuse and Referral
•    Short Term Cash Assistance

Please contact Nancy Santos, Program Manager for additional details. Office: 919-560-8000, nsantos@dconc.gov

CJRC Employment Program

Employment is a critical part of the reentry process. As justice involved individuals work to re-establish themselves, the ability to gain and maintain living wage employment is a key component. CJRC is very committed to assisting individuals with gaining the skills and knowledge to enter or re-enter the workforce. The CJRC Employment Program is a four (4) week program to assist participants develop employability skills via class room instruction and training programs (as available), furnish job leads and aid in completing applications, all designed to enable the participants to establish a foundation for employment success. 

The program offers two days of classroom instruction and one day of hands on computer instruction in a lab format. An instructor from Durham Technical Community College facilitates classroom and lab instruction, as well as develops workshop topics for clients that are appropriate for workplace preparation.  The instructor ensures that every client is enrolled with the NC Works Career Center and has an updated resume and cover letter upon course completion.

CJRC has six temporary positions within two county departments (General Services and Library) that are set aside for CJRC clients who have enrolled in and/or completed programming. These positions allow participants gain on the job training while earning a living wage with benefits for up to six months. Upon the completion of the six-month temporary assignment, clients continue to work with CJRC to find full-time permanent employment.

Information sessions about the CJRC Employment Program are held each Monday @ 3:30pm. Information is shared about program enrollment, classroom offerings and job search assistance.

For more information on Reentry Services click here.