By: Chelsey Crowne, CFF Marketing & Communications Intern
The Classroom of the Future Foundation’s (CFF) first-ever Career Discovery Cybersecurity Experience pilot program in the fall of 2017 was a tremendous success.
Through the five-week program, which wrapped up in mid-December, students at the Community Day School in Sweetwater UHSD and at Health Sciences High & Middle College (HSHMC) in San Diego Unified School District had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of work, specifically in the past, present, and future of the cybersecurity industry.
Students received an introduction to the cybersecurity industry, and had the opportunity to figure out how much money they needed to earn to support the lifestyle they want to live. Students also discovered careers that fit their strengths and interests using Journeys mapping technology. Students learned about coding, encryption, and the evolution of coding systems, in addition to visiting the USS Midway Museum for historical information about security practices. Lastly, students got to experience the modern day cybersecurity industry through hands-on digital forensics activities in the classroom with a real life Cylance cybersecurity professional as well as through a virtual project presentation to a group of cyber professionals using the Nepris platform. Here is a short recap of the pilot program:
The program had a huge impact on student participants:
- 93% of student participants increased their understanding of the cybersecurity industry
- A majority of student participants increased their essential skills as a result of the program (communication, critical thinking, collaboration, etc.)
- Nearly half of student participants now want to go further with their education pursuits and work toward a career in cybersecurity
“Before, I had no idea what I was going to be in college or what I would achieve. I now have greater clarity because of this program!” – Student
San Diego is home to more than 7,600 cyber jobs, generating $1.9 billion in economic impact for our region. The cybersecurity industry alone is expected to grow by 13%. Because of this, getting students engaged with and excited about cybersecurity and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields is crucial in maintaining San Diego County’s leadership in the innovation economy.
This spring CFF is excited to grow this program and bring the Career Discovery Cybersecurity Experience to 150+ students in Encinitas Union School District and Bonsall Unified School District.