This year marks an exciting milestone for The HEAT Academy as we launch our first high school cybersecurity class, designed to give students hands-on experience and industry-recognized certifications. As an arm of the BACC, The HEAT Academy specializes in STEM-focused education in Health, Engineering, Agriculture, and Technology, offering students unique career pathways and practical skills. With the introduction of Cybersecurity, our students now have the opportunity to explore one of the fastest-growing fields, guided by both expert instructors and leading local companies committed to supporting the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
A Comprehensive, Multi-Year Cybersecurity Pathway
The HEAT Academy’s Cybersecurity program is structured as a progressive, multi-year pathway, allowing students to build and deepen their skills over time. Each year, students gain hands-on knowledge, in-demand certifications, and invaluable mentorship from industry experts:
Year 1: Google Professional Certificate in Cybersecurity and CompTIA Security+ Prep
Through a generous partnership with Google, students in their first year will work toward earning the Google Professional Certificate in Cybersecurity, funded through a scholarship program. This foundational certification teaches critical skills in threat detection, network security, and data protection. Additionally, students will receive dedicated guidance as they prepare for the CompTIA Security+ exam, an essential industry certification in IT security.
Year 2: IT Automation with Python Certificate
The second year focuses on automation skills through Google’s IT Automation with Python certificate. Python is highly sought after in cybersecurity, especially in roles focused on automating security tasks and managing data. This certificate gives students the ability to use Python for cybersecurity applications, adding to their toolkit and making them valuable candidates for future tech roles.
Year 3: Capstone Project, Internship, and Industry Mentorship
The third year offers a hands-on experience unlike any other. Students will complete a capstone project where they design and implement their own cybersecurity solutions, while a built-in internship connects them with local companies for real-world exposure. These local partners—experts in the field—will offer mentorship and on-the-job training, bringing valuable professional insights directly to our students and creating invaluable networking opportunities.
Mentorship and Field Experiences with Local Cybersecurity Companies
One of the standout aspects of this program is the active partnership with local cybersecurity firms who are invested in shaping the workforce of tomorrow. Throughout the year, these companies will engage with students in several impactful ways:
In-Class Mentorship and Guest Lectures - Industry experts will regularly visit classes, offering mentorship, discussing real-world cybersecurity challenges, and introducing students to career paths within the field. These direct interactions expose students to what’s happening in cybersecurity right now, building both their knowledge and their confidence.
Field Trips to Local Cybersecurity Operations - Students will also have the chance to visit local cybersecurity facilities, data centers, and security operations centers. These field trips provide a firsthand look at the daily operations and complexities of cybersecurity work, allowing students to see the applications of their classroom learning in real, high-stakes environments.
A Pathway to High-Demand Careers
As cybersecurity becomes increasingly essential across all sectors, skilled cybersecurity professionals are in high demand. The HEAT Academy, in partnership with local companies and Google, provides students with the tools and mentorship they need to pursue promising careers in cybersecurity, equipped with skills that make a direct impact on modern data and network security.
The HEAT Academy: High School Cybersecurity Class - Preparing Students for a Tech-Driven Future
As part of the BACC, The HEAT Academy is committed to delivering a high-quality STEM education that prepares students for success. This Cybersecurity program not only offers students a head start with industry-recognized credentials but also connects them to the professional world through real-world mentorship and training. By graduation, students will not only have a robust resume of certifications but also meaningful industry connections that can launch their careers.
Stay tuned as we follow the journey of our first Cybersecurity class
! We’re proud to work with our partners to prepare students for exciting futures in cybersecurity and can’t wait to see the positive impact they’ll make in the field.
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