SAN ANTONIO – A $7 million-plus facility has allowed North East ISD students to get hands-on cybersecurity experience.
Dozens of high school students who attend North East ISD’s Institute of CyberSecurity and Innovation have earned industry certifications.
The center opened in 2021 and is located off Nacogdoches Road and MacArthur View.
“These are industry-based certifications. So once a student graduates then they are able to pursue and go out into the real world and just get a job if they like to,” said teacher Brandi Nguyen.
The academy is for students interested in computer programming, network security, network engineering and cybersecurity.
“It provides students a four-year pathway where they are going to learn all about cybersecurity, how to protect and defend against malicious attacks,” Nguyen said.
Students in the academy have earned more than 80 certifications in year one.
Reagan High School sophomore Corrine Kinlaw has been part of the program for over a year.
“I really learned real-world experience, hands-on experience and I appreciate the interactive environment I’m in,” she said.
Kinlaw looks forward to continuing learning here and has big plans for after graduation.
“I want to work at the Capitol under intelligence to protect our nation,” Kinlaw said.
The facility is expanding and currently accepting student applications. For more information, click here.