ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida Virtual School students are getting an early start on careers protecting computers, networks, and personal data.
Students in the program can earn industry-recognized credentials, including CompTIA Tech+ and CIW Web Security Associate. The CompTIA Tech+ credential is part of Florida’s Gold Standard Career Pathways Articulation Agreement, which can give students guaranteed college credit toward select associate degree programs at Florida State Colleges.
“Cybersecurity is one of today’s fastest-growing and most important career fields,” said Amy Heflin, senior manager of curriculum development at FLVS. “Offering high school students cybersecurity coursework builds technical knowledge, critical-thinking skills, and early career exposure in fields increasingly vital to Florida’s workforce.”
Brent Jourdan, a 10th-grade FLVS student from Brevard County, said the courses have helped turn a lifelong interest in computers into a possible career.
“These courses have helped me develop my knowledge of computer systems and cybersecurity while building the skills that will help prepare me for college and a future career in security operations,” Jourdan said.
Cybersecurity careers include information security analyst, computer security specialist and data security administrator. With additional training, students can pursue roles such as cybersecurity technician or junior incident response analyst.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a national campaign focused on online safety and cybersecurity best practices.
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