Schools
Kansas City Public Schools Celebrates Central Students' Cybersecurity Internships
Three Central High School students are helping their classmates build cybersecurity skills — and cool robots.
November 8, 2021
Three Central High School students are helping their classmates build cybersecurity skills — and cool robots.
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In partnership with the Cal Poly California Cybersecurity Institute, the Black Chamber of Commerce, McCownGordon and Siemens, KCPS recently hosted a cybersecurity internship signing day at Central High School.
“Someone said, ‘Oh is it like an athletic signing?’ And no, it’s not, but we want to make sure things like this are as important as athletics,” said Crystal Everett, KCPS Manager of Career and Technical Education.
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The “Cyber to Schools” program through Cal Poly CCI teaches students concepts like digital literacy, information technology and networking, artificial intelligence and machine learning, data analytics, cloud computing and cybersecurity. KCPS is teaching it as part of the district’s Project Lead the Way curriculum.
“I love everything about computers,” Central High School sophomore and KCPS cybersecurity intern John Gooden said, adding that he was looking forward to working with the district’s robotics teams.
Junior Princess Awulono said she was excited to have a job that she could work after school. Support from KCPS partners makes it possible for the district to offer paid internships.
“I’m so proud of these young people for what they’ve done, but I’m also proud of the Kansas City community for coming together,” Central High School Principal Anthony Madry said. “Bringing education to business is a beautiful thing.”
Sophomore Shamar Conrad Jr. said the cybersecurity internship will help him build a technical skillset.
“Although I really see myself being an accountant, I’m excited to have a layer of job security,” he said.
KCPS wants every student to graduate with a market-value asset. These are industry-recognized skills that help students transition from high school to college and jobs.
This press release was produced by Kansas City Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
