The framework of Business Management and Sustainability can be defined as managing the triple bottom line, a process by which our students will manage their financial, social and environmental risks, obligations and opportunities. These three impacts are sometimes referred to as profits, people and the planet.

Our students understand and adhere to the principles of sustainable development, according to the North Carolina Council of Economic Education (NCCEE). Our students will focus on economic efficiency (innovation, prosperity, productivity), social equity (poverty, community, health and wellness, human rights) and environmental accountability (climate change, land use, biodiversity). Students will focus on one or more of the following: Investment Banking, Accounting, or Strategic Marketing. While selecting investment banking, students will be learning about large and complex financial transactions such as underwriting, and other corporate reorganization. Students become diversified in financial accounting, managerial accounting and financial statement analysis topics. They will analyze business ownership, discuss the relationship of labor and business, and provide a broad overview of the global economy. Students concentrating in strategic marketing will look at the impact of marketing on society, procedures used in buying behavior, management of marketing information, development and management of products, marketing channels, supply chain management, and global marketing. Students will understand factors that affect biomedical, computer engineering and construction, while subsequently impacting local government policies and procedures on the market decision making, and the use of strategic alliances.

The School of Technology & Engineering is designed to provide high school students’ essential 21st Century skills. The program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in engineering, engineering technology, or related science fields. It introduces students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and covers a broad range of subjects such as global challenges, digital electronics, introduction to Computer Science, Computer Science and architecture, aerospace, and biotechnical engineering.

Our program has three principle curriculum strands, Technology, Project Lead-The- Way (PLTW) and Architecture. This curriculum is not meant to be an isolated program, but rather combined and woven as needed by the students being served. Just as in the larger educational program, students should be guided into courses and programs that have a synergistic relationship. The Technology strand provides students with a broad understanding of technology and its importance and its effects upon society, the economy and the environment. The technology program weaves academic and technical concepts and skills using modeling and other strategies. Students apply, design and build conceptual, mathematical, graphic, and physical models to better understand enduring STEM concepts. The Architecture strand applies engineering principles and technology to building design and construction. Students use graphic tools such as sketching, geometric construction, and Computer Assisted Design (CAD), orthographic projection and 3-D modeling. PLTW offers a rigorous academic curriculum. The program is divided into six independent, nine-week units: Design and Modeling, Automation and Robotics, Energy and the Environment, Flight and Space, Science of Technology, and Magic of Electrons. We combine traditional mathematics and science courses, while introducing our students to the scope, rigor and discipline of engineering and engineering technology prior to entering college.

The Biomedical Technology curriculum allows students to investigate the roles of biomedical professionals as they study the concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health. Students examine the structures and interactions of human body systems and explore the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, all while working collaboratively to understand and design solutions to the most pressing health challenges of today and the future.

Students are exposed to a rigorous hands-on curriculum, reality-based sequence of courses providing a real world experience of what it would be like working in the field of biomedical sciences. The courses are designed to be taken along with traditional honors level math and science courses. The goal is to have a rigorous curriculum that allows students to be successful as they explore realistic and exciting topics making learning fun. Students have access to: Internship opportunities focusing on the many sub disciplines within the biomedical field. Mentors in the area of industry for innovating, designing, and developing new technologies; in academia furthering research and pushing the frontiers of what is medically possible as well as testing, implementing, and developing new diagnostic tools and medical equipment; and in government for establishing safety standards for medical devices. Exposure to the Biomed field through investigating and researching organs and tissues on a skeletal mannequin, work through interesting real world cases and often play the roles of biomedical professionals to solve medical mysteries. Students will have the opportunity to earn a scholarship to attend the BRITE program at North Carolina Central University.

The School of Architecture and Construction Engineering is an accredited training and educational facility through the National Center for Construction Educational Research (NCCER). Our teachers are also trained and certified through NCCER. Students learn about various aspects of sustainability construction and transportation. These 21st century learners will focus on target issues for sustainable construction in the areas of: innovation and transferability; ethical standards and social inclusion, resource and environmental performance; and prosperity and contextual aesthetic impact.

Our learners embrace the preservation of the environment as well as critical development-related issues such as the efficient use of resources, continual social progress, stable economic growth, and the eradication of poverty. Students learn about various aspects of construction engineering and architecture as they experience real world application by working with businesses and organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together, and General Contractors Association of Durham. Upon completion of Construction and Architectural Drafting courses, students will be eligible to earn Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Computer Aided Design (CAD) certifications. Students will also be eligible to receive national certifications from the National Center for Construction Education and Research in Construction, Electrical Trades, and Carpentry. Internship opportunities offered to students adhere to the highest ethical standards and promote social inclusion at all stages of construction, from planning and building to use and servicing; to ensure an enduring positive impact on communities. Proposals must demonstrate how they enhance the collective realm. Our goal is to ensure that we convey a high standard of architectural quality as a prevalent form of cultural expression. Southern School of Energy and Sustainability, in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, formed a partnership to provide career exploration, skills development, and job opportunities in transportation for eligible women, minorities, and disadvantaged individuals in North Carolina.

The Skilled Trades Pathway is a registered pre-apprenticeship designed for Durham Public Schools students who are interested in exploring the skilled trades industry. The program is open to students from any DPS high school who are hardworking, demonstrate self-discipline and have a willingness to learn. The students complete two years in the pathway, then upon graduation we work with them to determine their decisions after high school. Our goal is to expose students to job opportunities and education paths that would prepare them for a career in the trades.
Year One: Junior Year
During the first year, the students take the Skilled Trades core class. Students learn about various industries in the trades and focus on plumbing, carpentry, HVAC, weatherization, drywall, painting, and electrical work, while obtaining various certifications. Work-based learning experiences are provided for all students, including worksite visits, college tours, presentations from local business partners and construction site visits.
Year Two: Senior Year
The second year of the program consists of the work-based learning component. The students will attend their classes at Southern High School for part of the day and then spend time offsite with local businesses to receive additional hands-on learning. Students will have the option to focus on one trade area to improve their skills and prepare them for future opportunities.