Durham Public Schools

CTE Summer 2024 Programs

A journey to finding your career passion!!

Click here to register for all summer programs! 

Check out the 2023 summer programing videos! 

Middle School Camp Offerings

**Please note: Transportation is not provided this summer**


Culinary Experience Program

This program will expose middle school students to the exciting world of food and cooking. Students will get hands-on experiences, learn essential kitchen skills and explore diverse cuisines. Under the supervision of the Northern culinary teachers, students can expect to craft delicious foods and while learning at the same time. 

Location: Northern High School 

Date: July 8, 2024-July 11, 2024

OR

July 15, 2024-July 18, 2024

Time: 8:30am-3:00pm

*Lunch provided*

World of Careers

Experience the World of Careers through a career exploration summer program that will expose students to endless career opportunities. Through a series of career workshops, students will participate in interactive workshops, hands-on learning modules, and explore a wide range of careers across various industries. 

Location: Lowe's Grove Middle School

Dates: July 8, 2024-July 11, 2024

July 15, 2024-July 18, 2024

July 22, 2024-July 25, 2024

Time: 8:30am-3:00pm

*Lunch  provided*

Cosmetology Skills Experience  

Students will learn the fundamentals of the programs including, the history of cosmetology, the tools of the trades, client interaction techniques, and much more. Students will also observe live demonstrations and have a chance to do some hands activities 


Location: Holton Performance Learning Center

Dates: June 17, 2024-June 20, 2024

Or 

June 24, 2024-June 27, 2024

Time: 9:00am-1:00pm

*Lunch provided*

Barbering Skills Experience 

Students will learn the fundamentals of the programs including, the history of barbering, the tools of the trades, client interaction techniques, and much more. Students will also observe live demonstrations and have a chance to do some hands activities.


Location: Holton Performance Learning Center

Dates: June 17, 2024-June 20, 2024

Or 

June 24, 2024-June 27, 2024

Time: 9:00am-1:00pm

*Lunch is provided*

A.I. Experience (Artificial Intelligence)

The year of AI is here and is becoming real for lots of people. Particpants in this summer immersion program will first create a wide range of materials in ChatGPT before creating a video script. The next step is tapping the power of Dall-E to draw some amazing art work. This will be used with the video script. 

No programming or technical skills are needed, the AI system does it all. What is most important is the creativity and ability to work well in a group. 

Location: Hillside High School

Time: 9:00am-3:00pm

Dates: 

June 10, 2024-June 13, 2024

June 17, 2024-June 20, 2024

June 24, 2024-June 27, 2024

AND

Location: Duke University 

Dates: July 22, 2024-July 26, 2024

Time: 9:00am-5:00pm

*Lunch is provided*

Entrepreneurship Concepts by echoReverb

Do you have a business idea? Do you dream about being your own boss or ways to make our world better? Sign up for Ready, Set, Launch to learn about social innovation, design-thinking, how to become your own boss! 

Grade Level: 7th-8th

Location: ReCity | 112 Broadway St, Durham, NC 27701 

Dates: 

June 17, 2024-June 21, 2024 

June 24, 2024-June 28, 2024 

July 29, 2024-August 2, 2024

Time: 9:30am-4:00pm

*Lunch is provided*

Photography

"Have you ever taken a picture of a beautiful scene, but it did not turn out as pretty as you remembered? Have you ever gotten a new camera but didn't understand how it worked or the manual wasn't helpful? Enabling you to pick up a camera and use it easily, this course helps you improve the quality of the photos you take by focusing on basic techniques and then moves well past amateur photographic knowledge. Any camera will do for this course, even a cellphone camera, but preferably a real camera that has more controls than just Auto." 

Location: Durham Technical Community College | 1637 E Lawson St, Durham, NC 27703 

Dates: July 15, 2024-July 19, 2024

Time: 8:30am-3:00pm

*Lunch is provided*

Woodwork & Carpentry 

The Bull city Woodshop is a non-profit that guides students in creating woodwork projects. Students will learn how to use hand tools and express their creativity by making fun projects. 

Grade Level: Rising 6th-8th 

Location: The Bull City Wood Shop | 

1912 E. Pettigrew Street

Dates: 

June 24, 2024-June 28, 2024

July 8, 2024-July 12, 2024 


Time: 8:30am-3:30pm

*Lunch is provided*



Health Science 

The middle school health science program will allow students to experience an exciting opportunity that will inspire them to become healthcare professionals. Throughout the program, students will engage in hands-on activities and experiments that will explore various aspects of health science. Students will participate in team-building exercises and group projects to encourage collaboration and communication among their peers. By the end of the program, students will have gained a deeper understanding of health science, hear from industry professionals and gain exposure various career opportunities within the industry.  

This program is in partnership with Durham Technical Community College and Duke Hospital.

Grade Level: Rising 8th Grade  

Location: Durham Tech Main Campus

Dates: 

June 22, 2024-July 26, 2024

Time: 9:00am-3:30pm

*Lunch is provided*



High School Opportunities

**Please note: Transportation is not provided this summer**

She Made It! 

"She Made It" is an exciting and immersive summer camp for female high schoolers. This week-long program offers a unique blend of hands-on learning experiences, allowing participants to explore various fields of creativity and craftsmanship.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore their creativity through the use of equipment in Durham Tech’s state-of-the-art Maker Space.  

In addition to the high-tech aspect, the camp also focuses on traditional craftsmanship. Participants will have the chance to restore furniture, learning the art of refurbishing and transforming old pieces into stunning works of art. They will also get hands-on experience with metalworking and welding, exploring the techniques and tools involved in these specialized areas.

Throughout the week, students will be guided by experienced mentors and instructors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and skill. The camp promotes a collaborative and supportive environment, fostering teamwork and creativity among all participants.

Age: Rising 9th-12th Graders

Location: Durham Technical Community College | 1637 E Lawson St, Durham, NC 27703 

Dates: June 24, 2024-June 28, 2024

Time: 9:00am-3:00pm

*Lunch is provided*

Community Code: AI Learning for Fun


The year of AI is here and is becoming real for lots of people. Participants in this summer immersion program will first create a wide range of materials in ChatGPT before creating a video script. The next step is tapping the power of Dall-E to draw some amazing art work. This will be used with the video script. 

No programming or technical skills are needed, the AI system does it all. What is most important is the creativity and ability to work well in a group. 

Age: Rising 9th-12th Graders

Location: Hillside High School


Dates: 

June 10-June 13

June 17-June 20

June 24-June 27

Time: 9:00am-3:00pm

*Lunch Provided*

Culinary Experience Program

The Durham Technical Community College hospitality program proposes to provide a 1-week “Summer Experience Program” for DPS high school students. The primary objective of the program will be to expose, entice, and generate interest in careers and the business of the hospitality industry. As a result of the summer program exposure, it is anticipated that enrollment in the culinary arts program at Durham Technical Community College will increase at least by at least two (2) High School Students from Durham County, but spark interest among the other participants. The program method of delivery will be “hands-on, “interactive, invigorating, and very informative for today’s middle and high school students. 

Age: Rising 9th-12th Graders

Location: Durham Tech Community College Tobacco Road Campus 

300 Blackwell St. #104 Durham, 27701

Dates: July 22, 2024-July 25, 2024

Time: 9am-3pm

*Lunch is provided*

Cosmetology Skills Experience

Students will learn the fundamentals of the programs including, the history of cosmetology, the tools of the trades, client interaction techniques, and much more. Students will also observe live demonstrations and have a chance to do some hands activities.

Grade Level: Rising 9th-12th Graders 

Location: Holton Career Center

Date: June 17, 2024-June 20, 2024

or

June 24, 2024-June 27, 2024


Time: 9:00am-1:00pm

Barbering Skills Experience

Students will learn the fundamentals of the programs including, the history of barbering, the tools of the trades, client interaction techniques, and much more. Students will also observe live demonstrations and have a chance to do some hands activities.

Grade Level: Rising 9th-12th Graders

Location: Holton Career Center

Date: June 17, 2024-June 20, 2024

or 

June 24, 2024-June 27, 2024

Time: 9:00am-1:00pm

*Lunch provided*

BioWork

This 25-hour course focuses on increasing awareness of the life sciences industry and introducing students to topics learned in the BioWork Certificate program. Students will gain hands-on experience practicing basic lab techniques such as DNA extraction, pipetting, environmental sampling, and more. At the conclusion of this course, students will understand the educational and training pathways available to help begin their career in the life sciences industry. As we will be in a lab setting, students must wear long pants and closed toe shoes.  

Grade Level: Rising 11th & 12th Graders*

Location: Durham Technical Community College | 1637 E Lawson St, Durham, NC 27703 

Date: July 15, 2024-July 19, 2024

Time: 9:00am-2:00pm

*Lunch is provided*

Entrepreneurship Concepts by echoReverb 2.0

Do you have a business idea? Do you dream about being your own boss or ways to make our world better? Students who are intersted in exploring something new, learning about themselves, exploring their creativity and connecting with others. This program is not limited to young business owners. 

The length of this experience is three weeks. Students must attend all three weeks of the program. 

Grade Level: Rising 9th-12th Graders

Location: ReCity | 112 Broadway St, Durham, NC 27701 

Dates: July 8, 2024-July 26, 2024 

Time: 9:00am-3:30pm 

*Lunch is provided*

Woodwork Carpentry Program

The Bull city Woodshop is a non-profit that guides students in creating woodwork projects. Students will learn how to use hand tools and express their creativity by making fun projects. 

Grade Level: 9th-12th

Location: The Bull City Wood Shop | 

1912 E. Pettigrew Street

Dates: June 17, 2024-June 21, 2024

Time: 8:30am-3:30pm

*Lunch is provided*

ServSafe Food Manager Certification 

Prepare for success in the Culinary World! Join this intensive and rewarding training program that is desinged to equip high school students with essential knowledge and skills required to obtain ServSafe Food Manager Certification. Through a combination of interactive lectures, hands-on activities, and practical simulations, students will learn the importance of proper food handling, storage, and preparation techniques. 

Grade Level: 11th-12th

Location: Northern High School

Date: July 8, 2024-July 25, 2024 *Monday-Thursday*

Time: 9:00am-1:00pm

*Students earn a paid stipend at the end of the program if they pass the certification test* 

Solar Energy 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Research Triangle Park, N.C., will host its 14th annual Summer Science Institute June 10-14, 2024. This FREE 1- week program will inform participants about EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment through interactive and hands-on experiences, tours of campus facilities, and professional networking.  

Grade Level: Rising 11th-12th Graders

Location: The Environmental Protection Agency 

Date: June 10, 2024-June 14, 2024

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm


Forklift Training

Equip yourself for success!  Durham Public Schools high school students and recent graduates are eligible to receive their forklift license through this one day training program. By attending this training, students gain a valuable credential that can open doors to employment opportunities in various industries, including warehouses, logistics, and manufacturing. Beyond the practical skills acquired, forklift training instills discipline, responsibility and attention to detail, essential qualities for success in any career. 

Grade Level: Rising 11th-12th Graders and 2024 DPS Graduates

Location: TBA

Date: June 26, 2024

Time: 8:30am-4:00pm