Last fall, Tolles Tech launched an innovative Cybersecurity program to help meet the increasing demand for cybersecurity workers in Ohio. Enrollment for the first year of the program was nearly at capacity. This year, enrollment in the program is projected to double.
“Clearly we identified – and are meeting – a big demand in the community with this new pathway and that’s exciting,” says Tolles Superintendent Todd Hoadley. “Cybercrime is a
rising concern everywhere and can only be addressed with the robust expansion of our cybersecurity pipeline. We are very pleased that we are able to meet this demand by expanding and enhancing our program to serve more students.”
To support the expansion, Tolles Tech received $25,000 in funding from Amazon Web Services (AWS). The funding will aid the school in its plans to renovate and expand its IT/Cybersecurity lab to give students hands-on learning experience and hire additional staff to keep pace with enrollment.
Tim Harman, community engagement manager for AWS stated, “We are proud to collaborate with Tolles as they are helping build a vibrant pipeline of skilled talent through a variety of educational pathways such as this new Cybersecurity program. AWS strongly believes in investing in the development of local talent and enabling as many opportunities for community members to build their technical skills for jobs in in-demand fields.”
“Ensuring students have the opportunity to pursue the career paths that interest them are part of our vision here at Tolles,” adds Matt Alice, a 10-year teaching veteran with Tolles who is leading the school’s new Cybersecurity Pathway. “Security is a critical consideration of any business and we’re thrilled to be able to give students training in this expanding field.”
“Cybersecurity is growing exponentially and the number of trained professionals cannot keep pace with demand,” Hoadley says. “This is an outstanding time to launch a cybersecurity career and Tolles is helping students gain the knowledge and skills they need to excel in this field.”
Students enrolled in Tolles’ Cybersecurity Pathway spend 2.5 hours in the lab each day, which is equivalent to three periods of a typical high school day. Alice says the curriculum covers all the basics, then is customized to each student’s individual career goals.
As part of the Cybersecurity program, Alice invites guest speakers to talk to his classes about opportunities in IT and cybersecurity. Speakers have included Kirk Herath, the Cybersecurity Strategic Advisor to Gov. Mike Dewine; Justin Kogge, managing principal of Esports Foundry who co-founded Game Arena near The Ohio State University and is a member of program’s advisory board; and Jason Comstock, founder of Clarity Technology Solutions, which customizes IT services and support for small and mid-size businesses in Central Ohio.
“These are industry professionals who are sharing their perspectives on what careers are out there now – and what is up-and-coming,” Alice says. “It helps students learn about their career options.”
Additionally, students in the program started the year building their own computers, which they then use every day in the lab.
“When they leave my class, they will know the basics of hardware, software and programming
with a security mindset,” Alice says, noting students will also have the training and opportunity to take CompTIA certification exams such as IT Fundamentals and A+ certification as part of the program.
“They get the certifications on our dime,” he adds. “If they did it on their own, it could cost $120 to $450 out of pocket.”
Seniors in the program this year will be able to explore internship opportunities. For example, one student who was in Tolles’ culinary program last year, but switched to cybersecurity this year, is preparing to work with Game Arena, which not only has a high-end gaming lounge but is also home to the fusion restaurant TaKorea. “It’s so perfect for him,” Alice says.
Outside the classroom, Alice has started an afterschool esports competitive video gaming program for Tolles students reminiscent of one he founded at Jonathan Alder when he ran Tolles’ satellite IT program there the previous nine years. The renovation and expansion of the existing IT/Cybersecurity lab at Tolles, slated to be completed by fall, will also allow that program to grow.