Nine-credit articulation agreement made between the College of Westchester and CTE Cybersecurity program

Students in Cisco Systems/Cybersecurity, a Career and Technical Education program at MVHS, have a new opportunity available to them thanks to an articulation agreement signed with the College of Westchester. They can now earn up to 9 credits at the college upon completion of the course. The articulation agreement was signed earlier this month. 

“This articulation agreement with College of Westchester strengthens our rich new CTE program by offering students valuable college credit,” said Director of CTE Brian Simmons. “It gives our CTE Cybersecurity students even greater motivation as they prepare to enter an exciting, fast-growing field filled with exceptional career and financial opportunities.” 

Three courses are available to students in the Cybersecurity pathway: IT Essentials, Network Routing and Switching, and Cybersecurity. At the end of the program, students can take the CompTIA A+ certification, validating essential IT support and security skills.

“These three courses drive them to the cybersecurity program at the College of Westchester,” said instructor Juliano DeSouza. “So, when they enter into any college, they can understand the basic concepts. The kids are doing very well.”

One student, 12th grader Xavier Dalton, says that the course has reignited his desire to pursue a career in IT. 

“The course is interesting, but there is a lot more work I'm going to have to do for this class if I want to go to a college for cybersecurity,” said Xavier during his IT Essentials course. “When I was a kid, I wanted to be in IT. Now, since it changed, I’m building back up to being in IT and working in cybersecurity.”

Xavier plans to study cybersecurity and IT in college and appreciates the opportunity to learn how to protect himself, his friends, and family from being hacked. He also is excited for the opportunity to use these skills to help people in his future career. 

As the year continues, students know they now have the opportunity to get a head start on their path towards an IT career with the College of Westchester. The Cybersecurity program also has an articulation agreement with Westchester Community College. Click here to read more about the program.