High school students in Clarendon County now have a unique opportunity to jumpstart their careers in real estate, thanks to a new program offered at the F.E. DuBose Career Center. The program, announced by the Clarendon County School District on social media, allows students to earn their real estate licenses before graduation.
Dr. Keisa Carr, Director of the F.E. DuBose Career Center, highlighted the significance of the program during a recent interview. “The State Department created standards for districts to provide real estate classes, and we partnered with the David Lloyd School of Real Estate to bring this opportunity to our students,” Carr said. “We are one of only two districts in the state offering this program.”
To enroll, students must have completed a prerequisite course in Entrepreneurship. The real estate curriculum will be divided into two consecutive courses, Real Estate I and Real Estate II, to ensure continuity in learning. Upon completion, students will be eligible to sit for their real estate licensure exam at age 18.
“The requirement to be 18 to take the licensure exam means we’re targeting our 11th and 12th grade students,” Carr explained. “This ensures that the knowledge they gain is fresh when they sit for their exams.”
The courses will include practical experiences such as field trips to construction sites, mock real estate transactions, and guest lectures from industry professionals, including real estate attorneys and mortgage loan officers. “We want our students to have a comprehensive understanding of the real estate industry,” Carr emphasized. “They’ll receive certificates after completing each course, which adds to their credentials.”
Carr also discussed the collaborative aspect of the program. “Instructors from the David Lloyd School of Real Estate will come in to ensure that our students are getting everything they need,” she said. “They will provide all necessary materials, including national and state books to prepare students for the exam.”
The program is free for Clarendon County School District students, with limited slots available for homeschool and private school students on a first-come, first-served basis. “Our goal is to ensure all students are both college and career ready,” Carr noted. “Programs like this provide invaluable skills and certifications that set our students apart.”
“We are excited to offer these career opportunities for our students,” Carr continued. “This initiative not only reflects our district’s commitment to making sure students are prepared for both college and careers but also opens doors for those who may choose to enter the workforce directly after high school.”
The F.E. DuBose Career Center continues to expand its offerings, recently adding programs in health sciences and welding to support the diverse career aspirations of its students. “We’ve added an additional health science instructor because that class is always overflowing with students,” Carr mentioned. “Our students come out with certifications that set them above the rest.”
For more information, students are encouraged to speak with their guidance counselors to add the real estate courses to their spring schedules. “We have a focus in Clarendon County School District to make sure our kids are prepared for whatever path they choose,” Carr said. “Adding programs like real estate, continuing with welding, and expanding health sciences ensure that our students have every opportunity to succeed.”
