By Benicia Ciara, TMDN
Southeastern High School officially opened its new Career & Technical Education (CTE) Annex, an 11,000-square-foot facility that stands as the first completed project under Detroit Public Schools Community District’s (DPSCD) $700 million Facility Master Plan.
The annex, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by students, educators, and community leaders, is designed to prepare students for real-world careers while reaffirming the district’s commitment to building modern, 21st-century learning environments.
The state-of-the-art facility will expand opportunities for Southeastern students through programs such as advanced manufacturing, a welding lab with industry-standard equipment, a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) lab for precision training, and collaborative learning spaces that encourage hands-on innovation.
Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti, Principal Maurice El-Amin, and Southeastern’s Student Body President, Miss Ellis, each spoke to the crowd about the impact of the project and the broader vision it represents.
“This apex project was done within time and within budget,” Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti said.
“Today meets so many of our priorities and our expectations to transform the district. In the city, we do not have a talent gap, but an opportunity gap.”
Principal El-Amin praised the facility as a point of pride for the school community and a reflection of Southeastern’s role as a hub for growth in Southeast Detroit.
For students, the excitement was tangible.
“We feel special because we know we are special,” said Miss Ellis, addressing her peers with pride. “I care about opportunities that can move us forward. We are excited to use our imagination for things that matter. Welding gives us the chance to create and build — and it’s not just another class, it’s an opportunity to move into the future.”
The CTE Annex is more than a new building; it is a blueprint for equitable investment across Detroit schools. As the first project completed under the Facility Master Plan, Southeastern’s success sets a precedent for what’s to come.
With its combination of technical programs and collaborative spaces, the annex ensures that students leave not only with diplomas but with the skills and confidence to thrive in college and careers.
