DURHAM, N.C. — Cristo Rey Research Triangle High School is welcoming in its inaugural class.

This is the school's first year in session. It's working specifically with underserved boys and girls.

Students went back to class on August 16.

Charles "Tre" Obie, 14, is going into his freshman year. He wants to be an editor and says he is excited for opportunities to shadow people already working in the profession.

"So far, I've looked into Microsoft and Lenovo," Obie said. "I'm looking forward to the jobs because I have never actually worked in a real job.”

Obie's mom, Shantel Surles, says she had to drop out of high school as a teen when her mom got sick. Years later, she got her diploma and went to college. Now, she hopes to serve as an example that it doesn't matter how long it takes to finish school.

“I'm just overly excited that he will have the opportunity to meet new people, to learn different things," Surles said.

Cristo Rey is located in the American Tobacco Underground on the American Tobacco Campus in Durham.

The school's goal is to get 100% of it' students accepted into college. The program combines academics with work experience and mentorships with area businesses.

Obie was granted an opportunity scholarship that covers his first year's tuition.

“He will be the first class of 2024...I believe it is, and his dreams will come true," Surles said.