Gwinnett County School in Georgia is transforming how students prepare for cybersecurity careers. By offering a robust Career Pathway in Information Technology, including cybersecurity, students gain foundational skills, specialized skills, and certifications needed to succeed in the tech industry. This case study highlights how the program empowers students to explore their passions, gain industry-recognized certifications, and prepare for high-demand careers in cybersecurity.
The challenge
As the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, schools face the challenge of preparing students for this critical field:
- Lack of cybersecurity education: Historically, computer science classes in Gwinnett County lacked cybersecurity-focused coursework, leaving students unaware of the opportunities in this field.
- Career awareness: Many students were unfamiliar with cybersecurity as a career option and the pathways available to them.
- Skill validation: Students needed a way to validate their skills and knowledge to stand out to colleges and employers.
The challenge was to create a program that not only introduced students to cybersecurity but also provided them with the tools and certifications to succeed.
The solution
At Grayson Tech and now six other schools, a comprehensive cybersecurity program is offered as part of Georgia’s Career Pathways initiative. Key elements of the solution include:
- Cybersecurity pathway: A series of three elective courses designed to teach students the fundamentals of cybersecurity. Upon completion, students are eligible to earn industry-recognized certifications, such as CompTIA Security+.
- Hands-on learning: The program provides students with practical, real-world experience in cybersecurity, helping them explore different realms of the field and discover their passions.
- CompTIA certifications: Students prepare for and earn CompTIA Security+ certification, validating their skills and knowledge to colleges and employers.
- Program expansion: Starting at one high school, the program has expanded to six schools in Gwinnett County, making cybersecurity education accessible to more students.
The results
Case study: Building strong foundations for cybersecurity careers with Grayson Tech
Introduction
In Gwinnett County, Georgia, Grayson Tech is transforming the way students prepare for careers in cybersecurity. By offering a robust Career Pathway in Information Technology, including cybersecurity, Grayson Tech provides students with the foundational skills and certifications needed to succeed in the tech industry. This case study highlights how the program empowers students to explore their passions, gain industry-recognized certifications, and prepare for high-demand careers in cybersecurity.
The challenge
As the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, schools face the challenge of preparing students for this critical field:
- Lack of cybersecurity education: Historically, computer science classes in Gwinnett County lacked cybersecurity-focused coursework, leaving students unaware of the opportunities in this field.
- Career awareness: Many students were unfamiliar with cybersecurity as a career option and the pathways available to them.
- Skill validation: Students needed a way to validate their skills and knowledge to stand out to colleges and employers.
The challenge was to create a program that not only introduced students to cybersecurity but also provided them with the tools and certifications to succeed.
The solution
Grayson Tech developed a comprehensive cybersecurity program as part of Georgia’s Career Pathways initiative. Key elements of the solution included:
- Cybersecurity pathway: A series of three elective courses designed to teach students the fundamentals of cybersecurity. Upon completion, students are eligible to earn industry-recognized certifications, such as CompTIA Security+.
- Hands-on learning: The program provides students with practical, real-world experience in cybersecurity, helping them explore different realms of the field and discover their passions.
- CompTIA certifications: Students prepare for and earn CompTIA Security+ certification, validating their skills and knowledge to colleges and employers.
- Program expansion: Starting at one high school, the program has expanded to six schools in Gwinnett County, making cybersecurity education accessible to more students.
The results
Gwinnett's cybersecurity program has had a profound impact on students and the community:
- Student success stories: Students have shared how the program helped them discover their passion for cybersecurity and gain confidence in their abilities. Many students expressed excitement and pride upon earning their CompTIA Security+ certification.
- Career readiness: Students graduate with a clear understanding of the cybersecurity field and the skills needed to succeed. The program has set students on a path to pursue careers in cybersecurity before even starting college.
- Program growth: The program’s success has led to its expansion across multiple high schools, providing more students with access to cybersecurity education.
- Increased awareness: Teachers emphasize the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals and the importance of protecting the nation’s infrastructure, inspiring students to consider careers in this vital field.
Gwinnett County Schools demonstrates the importance of building strong foundations for students’ careers. By offering hands-on learning opportunities and industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA Security+, the program equips students with the skills, confidence, and credentials needed to succeed in the tech industry. The program’s success highlights the value of early exposure to cybersecurity and the role of education in addressing the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals.