When Alex Benson joined Mahoning County Career & Technical Center (MCCTC) three years ago, he inherited a program that didn’t match what students wanted: practical skills, clear credentials, and a direct path to employment. He has since redesigned it around a broad range of technologies, industry‑recognized CompTIA certifications, and hands‑on experience so that it truly prepares high school students for real IT careers.
The redesigned two‑year pathway, with CompTIA at the center, now serves juniors and seniors who are serious about technology. The curriculum is built around CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+, combining CertMaster Learn with extensive real‑world labs and activities. Together, these certifications give students a complete foundation across hardware, networking, and cybersecurity.
The MCCTC program aims for a steady enrollment of about 25 students each year. While not all who start will complete both years, the focus on core technical skills for everyone and advanced pathways for committed students ensures the program puts students’ needs and futures first.
The goal isn’t to push every student to certification. Instead, all students build a strong IT foundation, and those who demonstrate readiness are invited to pursue certification through a selective vetting process that includes practice exams, performance in labs, and instructor recommendations.
A program first
In a milestone for the school, Networking & Cybersecurity student Cooper Terziu recently became the first in MCCTC history to earn both A+ and Network+ certifications while still in high school, followed quickly by classmate Ben Weber. Not satisfied with stopping at two certifications, both are now pursuing Security+ as well.
Benson explains that earning these certifications at this stage “places a student years ahead of the typical IT career pathway” and “speaks volumes about [their] work ethic, skill, and future potential in the industry.”
By aligning curriculum, CompTIA certifications, and real‑world experience, MCCTC has turned its Networking & Cybersecurity program into a true launchpad for students who want a future in technology. All students participate in work‑based learning that mirrors entry‑level IT roles: repairing and managing approximately 1,000 Chromebooks, supporting teachers with everyday tech issues, and troubleshooting devices across the campus. Those who earn a B or higher and pass the state exam can receive college credit, giving graduates a head start academically as well as professionally.
Through MCCTC’s work‑release program, Terziu and Weber are already applying their skills in real workplaces and plan to continue their education after graduation. Their story is concrete proof that the MCCTC model is doing exactly what it was designed to do: move students from classroom to credentials to real IT roles.