In recent years, discussions surrounding a lack of skilled cybersecurity professionals have been pervasive. However, from our vantage point at the NYC DOE Division of Information and Instructional Technology (DIIT), we notice aspiring security experts emerging all around us. As cybersecurity advocates within the DIIT, we collaborate with 1,800 schools and around 1 million students throughout NYC to ensure they have secure internet access and innovative educational technology solutions.
To empower both educators and students in thriving within our digital landscape, we establish partnerships with technology companies and government entities to train and mentor students interested in cybersecurity careers. In 2022, the NYC DOE formalized efforts aimed at promoting career-connected learning opportunities, allowing all students within metropolitan New York to attain long-term economic stability and job fulfillment. It has been a rewarding journey to nurture the forthcoming generation of cybersecurity experts, and based on the advancements we’ve achieved in a brief period, we are optimistic about what lies ahead.
Shaping the future of aspiring cybersecurity professionals
Over the past 50 years, classrooms have remained largely unchanged. In many school districts, the focus is predominantly on academic learning, and students seldom have the opportunity to develop the skills necessary for entering the workforce. At NYC DOE, we adopt a different approach. While still in high school, we introduce students to a variety of career paths—including cybersecurity—and provide them with opportunities to engage in practical experiences.
Our NYC DOE’s career-connected learning initiative consists of four programs, each tailored to cater to distinct segments of the student population:
The Career Readiness and Modern Youth Apprenticeship (CRMYA) is an internship program spanning three years that students can enroll in during their eleventh grade. The DOE cybersecurity team has welcomed its inaugural cohort of eight students, with five placed on the CISO team and three on the CTO team. Throughout the program, students engage in various cybersecurity endeavors, including network protection, endpoint protection, incident response, and data validation. Interns follow a structured curriculum aimed at achieving at least three technical certifications in their chosen fields, while also fostering relationships with technology vendors such as Zscaler. Upon completion of the program, students receive support for job placement or entry into higher education programs.
P-TECH schools are integrated into the NYC DOE system, backed by the Career and Technical Education (CTE) team alongside the CUNY Early College Initiative. This six-year high school program is specifically tailored for students who may lack a clear pathway to higher education, often due to financial constraints. In partnership with the NYC DOE, CUNY offers free tuition for a two-year Associate degree upon approval. As a result, every participant to date has successfully transitioned to college. The schools, catering to grades 9 through 14, also collaborate with industry partners to assist students in exploring career options and developing skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
CUNY Fellows targets first- and second-year college students who have successfully completed their coursework. Following a screening process that includes an interview and background check, these students can work up to 34 hours per week with our team on various projects that come with specific deadlines, providing them the chance to give feedback on their perceived progress.
Technology partnerships prepare students for future work
The enthusiasm of the students to learn and apply their knowledge is remarkable. Early in the apprenticeship program, we hosted a select number of high school students for a comprehensive six-week session. Together, we explored achievable goals within that time frame and introduced them to the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange.
Recognizing the eagerness of our apprentices to further their knowledge, we connected with Brian Wong, a customer success manager at Zscaler. He agreed to assist us in shaping a curriculum for a Zscaler certification program. Following his recommendation, we enrolled our students in the Zscaler Academy Zero Trust Career Program. Through this initiative, they earned certifications, gained practical skills in zero trust, and had the chance to receive guidance and inspiration from cybersecurity experts within Zscaler’s Career Development forum on the Zenith Community, all at no cost. Brian even provided coding resources for the students to enhance their practice. As a result, when interns join our apprenticeship sessions with the NYC DOE security team, they are trained to engage with various tools and participate in vendor calls to troubleshoot and oversee these products. One prominent tool discussed is Zscaler Private Access (ZPA). Since initiating this program, we have successfully had nine students achieve Zscaler certification, which they can leverage in their professional careers.
Student successes reflect the effectiveness of our training initiatives
These programs provide students with valuable real-world experience through internships, while also allowing them to earn college credits as they explore interests that may not have otherwise been accessible to them. For instance, one of our interns has a healthcare background but is currently pursuing a degree in IT. Recognizing her enthusiasm for learning and her willingness to take on challenges, we provided her with the opportunity to work on content filtering, which she embraced wholeheartedly. Now, she has transitioned into data loss prevention and has become one of our standout interns from CUNY.
In her own words, Franchesca Fargas Rios recounts her journey:
“At first, I never planned on attending college, but one day, I made the spontaneous decision to enroll. My career started in healthcare, yet my growing passion for technology and desire to contribute positively to society led me towards the tech field. The CUNY program has been instrumental in facilitating this shift, providing internships that confer both real-world experience and academic credits, allowing me to delve into various disciplines. Despite my roots in healthcare, I opted for a degree in IT. My commitment to learning was soon acknowledged, which resulted in my participation in projects focused on content filtering and data loss prevention, where I thrived as one of the top interns at CUNY.
Juggling the demands of motherhood, full-time studies, and a full-time job has certainly posed its challenges. The unyielding support and encouragement from my supervisor have been vital. His mentorship has not only aided my career goals in IT but has also provided me with the resources needed to excel. I am looking forward to graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and Informatics. Additionally, I plan to further my education with a Master’s in Cybersecurity and earn multiple professional certifications. The practical training and real-life experiences my program offers have significantly shaped my journey in IT, a sector I initially knew very little about.”
Another pathway for students to acquire hands-on technology skills is through the Career and Technical Education program, which serves as a resource for students uncertain about their career direction or academic paths. This past semester, we welcomed six students as interns. One student, in particular, had decided against college due to financial challenges. We assisted him in applying for a scholarship within a two-year associates program at CUNY. We are pleased to report that all six students are now pursuing their education beyond high school.
Ibrahim Sawadogo shares his success story:
“Prior to securing an internship role at NYCPS within the DIIT Office of the CISO, I participated in the COOP Tech Program, aiming to gain industry certifications such as Cisco CCNA and CompTIA Network+. My initial career goal was simply to enter the technology field, and I had no plans to pursue a degree in college. However, during my time there, I engaged in discussions with my supervisor and mentor, who inspired me to consider enrolling in community college. Initially, I had reservations due to concerns about accumulating student loan debt. Nevertheless, my supervisor provided key insights that ultimately motivated me to register at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC).
I got accepted into BMCC and began attending college classes in the summer of 2023. Additionally, I applied to the CUNY internship program and was fortunate to receive an offer as an identity and access management analyst at NYCPS. Throughout my internship, I also earned two industry certifications: CompTIA Security and ISC2 Certified in Cyber Security.
This program has instilled hope within me as a young African-American male living in New York City’s inner city. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. I am on track to graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree in Computer Networking Technology by the conclusion of the spring 2025 semester. Following that, I intend to pursue a Bachelor of Technology degree at New York City College of Technology. The mentorship, practical technical experience, and soft skills I acquired have been transformative, allowing me to look ahead to a rewarding career in information security.”
The significance of personal and professional mentorship.
Everyone needs someone who believes in them. Through our dedication to diversity and inclusion, we foster a sense of belonging and motivate students from various backgrounds—regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity—to pursue fulfilling careers in cybersecurity. We also make it a point to mentor our students, providing them with the necessary skills and support as they confront life’s hurdles. Ultimately, our mission is to help students recognize that they too deserve the opportunity to grow and thrive within the technology sector and beyond.
Demond Waters, the Chief Information Security Officer at NYC DOE and an alumnus of this educational system, recently experienced a poignant moment at a conference. A young man approached him to share the story of how he ventured into the world of technology. The young man recounted a memory of Demond entering his classroom, casually dressed in sneakers and comfortable clothing, to troubleshoot a computer issue. Unbeknownst to Demond, his actions motivated this young individual to pursue a career in technology.
Both of us have personal experiences growing up in New York City. We are deeply driven by the desire to demonstrate to our students that they can envision a future that extends beyond their daily experiences—that is the core of our motivation to give back.
For further insights into how NYC DOE implemented Zscaler’s zero trust framework on a large scale, protecting over one million students and staff members, read the case study.
About the Authors
Demond Waters is an accomplished Chief Information Security Officer, boasting two decades of expertise in strategic cybersecurity and information technology management. As the CISO for the New York City Department of Education, he manages substantial projects while ensuring a state-of-the-art security framework that safeguards over 150,000 staff members and 1.1 million students. Under his leadership, varied security teams excel in fast-paced environments utilizing intricate yet adaptable technical systems.
Anthony Dixon is a prominent figure in the cybersecurity domain, equipped with 20 years of diverse experience in information technology and security. His specialties include service desk management, information assurance, and vulnerability management system administration, alongside messaging and collaboration engineering. He is a seasoned project leader, adept at guiding all stages of complex initiatives while overseeing, inspiring, and mentoring team members across the globe.
