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Policies and Procedures Manual: Policy for full-time employees needing paid, full-time leave time for educational purposes.
When the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down college enrollment around the country, Cosmetic Arts programs at Durham Tech flourished – growing more than 300% since 2019.
Maria Steele, Director of Cosmetics Arts at Durham Tech, said it was likely due to a growing interest in entrepreneurship after so many people lost their jobs.
“COVID affected so many large businesses, that people wanted to start working for themselves, and becoming a cosmetologist allows them to specialize in multiple areas and become entrepreneurs,” she said. “You will always be able to make money in this industry because cosmetologists can do anything. You will never be stagnant. You can always reinvent yourself. It's such a versatile field, you can be an independent contractor at different salons and do everything.”
Steele is the driving force behind all Cosmetic Arts programs at the College, including cosmetology, esthetics, and manicuring – an industry that has remained resilient through both a recession and pandemic.
Maria Steele, Director of Cosmetics Arts at Durham Tech, said it was likely due to a growing interest in entrepreneurship after so many people lost their jobs.
“COVID affected so many large businesses, that people wanted to start working for themselves, and becoming a cosmetologist allows them to specialize in multiple areas and become entrepreneurs,” she said. “You will always be able to make money in this industry because cosmetologists can do anything. You will never be stagnant. You can always reinvent yourself. It's such a versatile field, you can be an independent contractor at different salons and do everything.”
Steele is the driving force behind all Cosmetic Arts programs at the College, including cosmetology, esthetics, and manicuring – an industry that has remained resilient through both a recession and pandemic.
Find information about College Performance, Performance Measures, Systems Excellence Levels, and other college statistics.
Dr. Micara Lewis-Sessoms has led efforts in Work-Based Education at Durham Tech since 2007.
The idea behind Work-Based Education was to connect students with employers while enrolled at the College so they could gain invaluable work experience before graduating and ensure their chosen career path was a good fit for them.
“I want to have the impact of a connector of students to employers. That connection can change the trajectory of their whole lives. It can change their legacy,” she said. “I always tell students, ‘you’re about to embark on a 160-hour interview.’”
The idea behind Work-Based Education was to connect students with employers while enrolled at the College so they could gain invaluable work experience before graduating and ensure their chosen career path was a good fit for them.
“I want to have the impact of a connector of students to employers. That connection can change the trajectory of their whole lives. It can change their legacy,” she said. “I always tell students, ‘you’re about to embark on a 160-hour interview.’”
View the agenda for the Teaching and Learning Professional Development Day.
The Goodnight Scholars Program scholarship, valued at up to $21,000 per year, is awarded to approximately 20 transfer students each year.
Durham Tech student Juan-Pablo Quintanilla Ha began his interest in the Fidelity Scholars program during high school, when a guidance counselor shared information on the program.
“After learning about the Fidelity program from a high school counselor of mine, I researched the program and found I was a fit because of my Latino-Asian descent, but also because of my academic excellence and it helped that I am a go-getter,” said Ha, who was one of the Durham Tech students selected for the program. “I was then all about the program and how it could help me get a college education.”
Ha saw Fidelity’s program as a way to receive money for college, but quickly learned it was much more.
“After learning about the Fidelity program from a high school counselor of mine, I researched the program and found I was a fit because of my Latino-Asian descent, but also because of my academic excellence and it helped that I am a go-getter,” said Ha, who was one of the Durham Tech students selected for the program. “I was then all about the program and how it could help me get a college education.”
Ha saw Fidelity’s program as a way to receive money for college, but quickly learned it was much more.
The Electrical Systems Technology Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree curriculum provides training for people interested in the installation and maintenance of electrical systems found in residential, commercial, and industrial facilities. Coursework is generally hands-on.
Durham Technical Community College has announced longtime Durham Tech leader Dr. Kara Battle as the College’s new Chief Academic Officer after a nationwide search and interview process.
Battle, the former Dean of Science and Math programs at Durham Tech, was instrumental in restructuring the College into Guided Career Pathways and in merging continuing education and curriculum programs in recent years. Since Spring 2021, Battle has held the Interim Chief Academic Officer role following the departure of Dr. Susan Paris.
Battle, the former Dean of Science and Math programs at Durham Tech, was instrumental in restructuring the College into Guided Career Pathways and in merging continuing education and curriculum programs in recent years. Since Spring 2021, Battle has held the Interim Chief Academic Officer role following the departure of Dr. Susan Paris.
Explore Admissions and Enrollment at Durham Tech. Earn a degree, diploma, or certificate, learn about Health Technologies admissions, or enroll as a Visiting Student or a Non-U.S. student. Learn about opportunities for dual-enrollment or register for a Continuing Education course.