SANFORD, NC - Lee County Schools has been awarded a $20,000 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Homebuilding grant from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) to further expand hands-on learning opportunities in residential construction and homebuilding for students.
The grant is part of nearly $200,000 awarded statewide to 10 public school districts to support CTE pathways that prepare students for high-demand careers in the construction trades. Authorized by the North Carolina General Assembly, the funding supports program costs that allow students to gain real-world experience, industry-recognized credentials, and direct connections to workforce opportunities in their community.
The Lee County Schools’ homebuilding program is a partnership with Habitat for Humanity that allows students to earn valuable construction site experience while building a full home for a family in the community. Students in the program, which is available at both Southern Lee and Lee County High School, earn stackable credentials and participate in work-based learning that prepares them for immediate entry into the workforce or continued education in skilled trades.
“These funds will allow Lee County Schools to continue equipping students with the tools, training, and real-world experience needed to succeed in the construction industry,” said Gary Hart, Director of Career and Technical Education for Lee County Schools. “Our homebuilding program not only develops technical skills, but also instills responsibility, teamwork, and a strong sense of community service.”
Districts selected for the grant were prioritized based on low-wealth status and the populations they serve, including at-risk students and students with disabilities. Of 33 applications submitted statewide, Lee County Schools was one of 10 districts selected to receive funding.
This grant aligns with the district’s Thrive in Lee Strategic Plan which emphasizes preparing every student for their next phase in life through continued expansion of future-focused pathways across a wide variety of disciplines, skills, and fields.