Key Takeaways:
- The Lakota Local Schools’ Cyber Academy is a unique program that prepares students for a career in cybersecurity.
- The program has gained national attention and has had students recognized on the national stage for their achievements.
- Only 3.6% of high school students in the US have access to a program like this.
- The Cyber Academy connects students with professionals and internships, and most students go on to pursue a career in cybersecurity in higher education or the military.
- The program is the largest of its kind in the Midwest and has been recognized as a prestigious academy across the nation.
Introduction to the Cyber Academy
The Lakota Local Schools’ Cyber Academy is a unique program that is preparing students for a career in cybersecurity. The program is making strides and is now gaining national attention, particularly in light of recent cyberattacks in the area. Last summer, a cyberattack crippled the city’s computer system in Middletown, and last fall, there were two cyberattacks in West Chester Township. The Cyber Academy is trying to get ahead of these attacks from even happening by providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to become cybersecurity experts.
The Importance of Cybersecurity
According to Lakota West senior Caleb Kingan, cybersecurity is extremely important in today’s digital age. "Everything’s online now. Our bank information, our credit cards, our identity," he said. Fellow senior Samantha Boothe added, "Cybersecurity is just keeping online applications safe from people that want to steal information from them, steal individuals’ information, hack into a company." The students in the Cyber Academy are learning the skills they need to protect against these types of threats and keep online applications safe.
Student Experiences in the Cyber Academy
Samantha and Caleb are just two of the hundreds of students enrolled in the program. They have found the experience to be highly valuable, with Kingan stating, "We’re constantly pushing each other. There’s different things we’re doing. We’re constantly failing and learning from it." Both students were recently awarded on the national stage, recognized as two of only eight students nationwide to be honored in Nashville for National Cyber Signing Day. They were recognized for their achievements in cybersecurity, including internships and certifications they have obtained outside of school.
National Recognition and Prestige
The Cyber Academy has gained a reputation as a prestigious academy, with Lakota having had a student recognized every year. This year, the district had two honorees at once, a rare honor. Cyber Academy teacher Jenny Circello has been with the academy for a few years and has seen the impact it has had on students. "It’s so neat to teach students skills that they will actually use in the workforce to protect other people," she said. Circello also noted that only 3.6% of all high school students in the US have access to a program like this, making it a unique opportunity for students.
Career Opportunities and Future Prospects
For students like Samantha and Caleb, the Cyber Academy has opened doors to a future that is all about protecting others in a way they would have never thought possible. "I like that I can be able to help areas that aren’t just tech," Boothe said. Most students who complete the program go on to pursue a career in cybersecurity in higher education or the military. The Cyber Academy is the largest of its kind in the Midwest and connects students with professionals and internships, providing them with the skills and experience they need to succeed in the field.
Conclusion
The Lakota Local Schools’ Cyber Academy is a unique and prestigious program that is providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to become cybersecurity experts. With its national recognition and reputation, the program is opening doors to career opportunities that students may not have otherwise considered. As the need for cybersecurity experts continues to grow, programs like the Cyber Academy are essential in preparing the next generation of professionals to protect against cyber threats and keep online applications safe.
