The New York City Department of Education is reportedly seeking to create and train students to become future cybersecurity professionals through various programs related to the field.
Spearheaded by the department's Division of Information and Instructional Technology (DIIT), the division has reportedly partnered with technology vendors and government agencies in three programs: the CUNY Fellows, Career Readiness and Modern Youth Apprenticeship (CRMYA), and P-TECH Schools, or New York City's Grades 9-14 Early College and Career Schools.
In the eleventh grade, students can apply for a three-year internship program called the Career Readiness and Modern Youth Apprenticeship (CRMYA). The DOE cybersecurity team hosted eight students in its inaugural cohort, five of whom were assigned to the CISO team and three to the CTO team.
During this period, they focus on cybersecurity projects like data validation, incident response, network protection, and endpoint protection. Interns cultivate connections with technology providers such as Zscaler and finish a curriculum leading to a minimum of three technical certifications in areas of their interests. Students who complete the program are supported in finding employment or enrolling in postsecondary education.
College students in their first and second years who have successfully completed their curriculum are the target audience for CUNY Fellows. Once they pass a background check and interview, they work with our staff for up to 34 hours a week on various assignments with deadlines and are given the chance to give input on how they think they are progressing.
NYC DOE's Alternative Learning Experiences
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) team and the CUNY Early College Initiative support P-TECH schools, a component of the NYC DOE. The six-year high school program is intended for students who, sometimes due to financial constraints, lack a clear path to further education.
As soon as students are accepted, CUNY and the NYC DOE collaborate to provide free tuition for a two-year Associate degree. All participants have been successful in attending college thus far. Additionally, the schools serving grades 9 through 14 collaborate with business partners to help students explore career options and develop their STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) industry skills.
Cybersecurity on Other Universities
NYC's DOE initiatives come as multiple universities continue to create cyber-centered degrees due to the advent of artificial intelligence. The University of South Florida recently announced plans to open a new college centered on AI. The college would provide new undergraduate and graduate courses, certifications, and other academic opportunities focused on AI, cybersecurity, and computing.
The initiative appears to be an effort to position Florida and the Tampa Bay region as national leaders in AI, suggesting that it will address the persistent scarcity of AI experts. The university is expected to be the first in Florida and among the first in the nation.
The college plans to offer undergraduate and graduate programs that complement USF's strategic plan and the state's Programs of Strategic Emphasis, equipping students for highly sought-after employment.
In addition, the institution seeks to establish business relationships, support ethical considerations and trust amid society's continuing digital change, and support academic research that results in scientific breakthroughs or technology advancements.
The university plans to form the new college by bringing together faculty members with specific knowledge who are now dispersed across other schools.
The university released a news release stating that over 40% of organizations suffering a cybersecurity skills gap indicate that they cannot locate enough qualified individuals. Meanwhile, the requirement for AI capabilities in the workforce has surged fivefold in the United States.
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