School-to-Career (STC) is an initiative and a philosophy. It is a method of delivering curriculum to our students that links classroom knowledge to real life.  Students learn better when information is made relevant, and STC ensures that relevancy occurs by linking schoolwork to workplace realities.   School-to-Career links the world of school to the world of work by supporting school-based activities such as classroom speakers, mentors, soft-skills presentations, and real-world activities and by infusing these into the Common Core through collaboration between members of the business community and classroom teachers.    

The Career Development Coordinator provides a number of career-related experiences for students.  Some of these opportunities include:

• Guest Speakers—Providing students the opportunity to hear from an individual in a specific field (their career of interest) and discuss the aspects of their work.
• Field Trips—Exposing students to the real world of work, reinforcing what is being taught in their classroom.
• Interest Inventories—Assessing students on what careers best fit them, as well as providing opportunities to learn about careers unfamiliar to them
• Career Events—Introducing students to a wide variety of real world professions and professionals through Reality of Money, Career Fairs, Engineer's Day, and Truck Fairs.
• Tutors/Mentors—Pairing students with members of the Business Alliance for career and academic support

Durant Road Middle School Business Alliance is a collaboration of business, community, and school leaders committed to educating each student to be a responsible and productive citizen who can effectively manage future challenges. Through the support, dedication and commitment of our volunteers, we are able to provide a variety of opportunities for our students that help them understand the skills needed to become successful in their future. 

About Our Alliance

The Durant Road Middle School business alliance has created a partnership between local businesses, students, teachers, parents, and administrators.  This partnership supports our School Improvement Plan, the Wake County Public School System mission, Character Education, the School-to-Career Program, and strives to make Durant Middle “School As It Should Be” through various career events throughout the year.

Ryan & Brenda Ball-Kona Ice

Kara Bundy-Cisco & DRMS PTA

Steve Choquette-Products That Count & DRMS Business Alliance Chair

Devona Cranford-Fidelity Investments & PTA President

Ada Deen-DRMS Guidance Counselor

Bob & Pam Falkenbach-Crown Trophy and Awards

Kristen Faircloth-DRMS Principal

Kristy Hamilton-State Employees Credit Union

LaNedra Lee-Oxford University Press

Kyle Perkins-Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More of Raleigh

Rose Thompson-Activate Good

Shea Tripp-Pivotal Project Management and Premier Research

Janet Steddum

Jenna Warren-DRMS Guidance Counselor

Why get involved?

• It is FREE!  There is no cost to join our business alliance.  Your level of involvement is entirely up to you.
• Community Involvement— Getting involved in local school activities is a great way to be involved in your community.
• Business Recognition— Show the community that your business gives back.
• Preparing Future Leaders— What do you want the future to look like?  Be a part of the development of our future leaders!

To get involved, complete this form