In recent years, there has been considerable discussion about a lack of skilled talent in the field of cybersecurity. However, from our perspective at the NYC DOE Division of Information and Instructional Technology (DIIT), we observe numerous emerging security professionals around us. As cybersecurity leaders within DIIT, we collaborate with 1,800 schools and approximately 1 million students throughout NYC to guarantee safe internet access and present innovative educational technology solutions.

To empower both educators and students to excel in our digitally-driven environment, we form partnerships with technology vendors and government bodies to train and mentor students for future careers in cybersecurity. In 2022, the NYC DOE officially enhanced these initiatives to promote career-connected learning opportunities, ensuring that all students in the metropolitan New York area can achieve long-term economic stability and job satisfaction. We are proud to nurture the upcoming generation of cybersecurity experts. Given the progress made in such a short span, it’s clear that the future is looking promising.

Clearing the path for future cybersecurity professionals
Over the past 50 years, classrooms have remained relatively unchanged. In many school districts, the primary focus is on academics, leaving students with limited chances to acquire the skills necessary for entering the workforce. At NYC DOE, we take a different approach. While still in high school, we expose students to a variety of career pathways—including cybersecurity—and offer opportunities for hands-on involvement.

Our career-connected learning initiative consists of four programs, each designed to cater to specific segments of the student population.

The Career Readiness and Modern Youth Apprenticeship (CRMYA) is an internship program that spans three years and is open for application by students in the eleventh grade. The cybersecurity team at the Department of Education (DOE) recently hosted its inaugural group, consisting of eight students, with five assigned to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) team and three to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) team. During their time, interns engage in various cybersecurity projects, including network protection, endpoint protection, incident response, and data validation. They also complete a curriculum leading to at least three technical certifications in their areas of interest and establish connections with tech vendors, including Zscaler. Graduating students benefit from job placement assistance or guidance towards higher education opportunities.

P-TECH schools fall under the NYC DOE and receive support from the Career and Technical Education (CTE) team and the CUNY Early College Initiative. This six-year high school program is tailored for students who may lack a clear route to college, often due to financial constraints. Collaborating with the NYC DOE, CUNY offers these students free tuition for a two-year Associate degree once approved. Thus far, all participants have successfully transitioned to college. The schools, catering to grades 9 through 14, partner with industry leaders to facilitate students’ exploration of careers and help them acquire skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The CUNY Fellows program targets first- and second-year college students who have completed their coursework. After survival through an interview and background vetting process, they can work up to 34 hours per week with our team on various projects that come with specific deadlines. The program also allows them to share their feedback regarding their growth and experiences.

Technology partnerships prepare students for future work
The eagerness of students to learn and implement their knowledge is remarkable. Early in the apprenticeship program, a select group of high school students participated in a six-week session where we mapped out their goals and introduced them to the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange.

Recognizing the eagerness of our apprentices to deepen their knowledge, we reached out to Brian Wong, a customer success manager at Zscaler. We sought his expertise to help us establish a curriculum for a Zscaler certification. At Brian’s recommendation, we enrolled our students in the Zscaler Academy Zero Trust Career Program. Through this program, they achieved certifications, honed practitioner-level skills in zero trust, and received guidance from cybersecurity professionals in Zscaler’s Career Development forum on Zenith Community, all at no cost. Furthermore, Brian provided practical code for the students to enhance their learning experience. As a result, when interns join the NYC DOE security team for apprenticeship sessions, they acquire hands-on experience with various tools and participate in vendor calls to troubleshoot and manage these solutions. An instance of this is Zscaler Private Access (ZPA). Since the inception of the program, nine students have successfully obtained a Zscaler certification that they can utilize in their future careers.

Student achievements demonstrate the effectiveness of training initiatives

These training programs are instrumental in providing students with real-world exposure through internships. In addition, they earn college credits while delving into fields they may not have previously considered. One of our standout students transitioned from a background in healthcare to pursuing an IT degree. Recognizing her enthusiasm and dedication, we offered her the chance to engage in content filtering, which she embraced wholeheartedly. She has now progressed to working on data loss prevention and stands out as one of our top interns from CUNY.

Franchesca Fargas Rios shares her own journey:

“Initially, I never planned on attending college, but one day I made the spontaneous decision to enroll. I started my journey in the medical sector, yet my fascination with technology and desire to create a meaningful change prompted me to shift towards a career in tech. The program at CUNY has been instrumental in facilitating this shift, providing internships that offer valuable real-world experience alongside academic credits, allowing me to investigate various fields. Despite my background in healthcare, I opted to pursue a degree in IT. My commitment and willingness to learn were quickly acknowledged, leading to my participation in projects focusing on content filtering and data loss prevention, where I have shined as one of the top interns at CUNY.

Juggling motherhood, full-time studies, and a full-time position has certainly been a test of endurance. The constant support and encouragement from my supervisor have been essential. His mentorship has not only bolstered my career goals in IT but has also provided me with the tools necessary for success. I am looking forward to graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and Informatics. Additionally, I plan to pursue a Master’s in Cybersecurity and obtain several professional certifications. The practical training and real-world experiences offered by this program have significantly shaped my journey in IT, an area I initially knew very little about.”

Another pathway for students to develop valuable technology skills is through the Career and Technical Education program, which serves as a resource for those who are uncertain about their career choices or educational paths. This past semester, we welcomed six students as interns. One student, in particular, had concerns regarding college due to financial limitations. We assisted him in finding a scholarship for a two-year associates program at CUNY. We are thrilled to report that all six students have chosen to continue their education after high school.

Ibrahim Sawadogo shares his success story:

“Prior to being accepted into an internship position at NYCPS, within the DIIT Office of the CISO, I participated in the COOP Tech Program, where my objective was to achieve industry certifications like Cisco CCNA and CompTIA Network+. My ambition was simply to break into the technology field, and I had no plans to pursue a college degree. While involved in the program, I engaged in discussions with my supervisor and mentor, who encouraged me to consider enrolling in community college. I was hesitant, concerned about the potential burden of student loan debt. However, my supervisor provided me with crucial information, which ultimately inspired me to enroll at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC).

I gained acceptance at BMCC and began attending classes in the summer of 2023. I also applied for the CUNY internship program and was fortunate to secure a position at NYCPS as an identity and access management analyst. Throughout my internship, I successfully earned two industry certifications: CompTIA Security and ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity.

This program has instilled hope in me as a young African-American male residing in inner-city New York. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. I am set to graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree in Computer Networking Technology by the end of the spring 2025 semester. Following that, I aspire to pursue a Bachelor of Technology degree at the New York City College of Technology. The mentorship I received, along with the hands-on technical experience and essential soft skills, have significantly changed my outlook as I now look forward to a promising career in information security.”

The influence of personal and professional mentorship endures.
Everyone requires someone who believes in their potential. Through our dedication to diversity and inclusion, we foster a community where students from all backgrounds—regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity—are encouraged to build fulfilling careers in cybersecurity. We take on the role of mentors for our students, providing them with the necessary skills and support to navigate life’s obstacles. Ultimately, we aim to empower students to realize their right to grow and thrive in the technology sector and beyond.

Demond Waters, the Chief Information Security Officer at NYC DOE and an alumnus of the very school system he now serves, recently experienced a poignant moment at a conference. A young man approached him and shared the inspiration behind his decision to pursue a career in technology. The young man reminisced about Demond visiting his classroom, casually dressed in sneakers and everyday attire, to repair a computer. Unbeknownst to Demond at the time, his actions had a profound impact, encouraging the young man to enter the field of technology.

Both of us understand the unique experiences that come with growing up in New York City. Our motivation stems from the desire to demonstrate to our students that they can envision a future that diverges from their current environment—that is the drive behind our commitment to giving back.

Discover more about how NYC DOE implemented Zscaler zero trust at an extensive level, providing security for over one million students and staff members together. Explore the case study.

About the Authors

Demond Waters

Demond Waters is a results-focused Chief Information Security Officer boasting 20 years of experience in the domains of strategic cybersecurity and information technology management. In his role as CISO for the New York City Department of Education, he oversees projects funded in the millions while adeptly managing an advanced security infrastructure designed to protect more than 150,000 staff members and 1.1 million students. Thanks to his leadership, diverse security teams excel in adapting to rapidly changing environments, leveraging a sophisticated yet adaptable technical framework.

Anthony Dixon

Anthony Dixon is a seasoned leader in cybersecurity, bringing 20 years of experience in information technology and information security. His expertise spans service desk operations, information security, information assurance, and vulnerability management system administration, along with messaging and collaboration engineering. As a project leader, he has demonstrated his capability in guiding all stages of complex projects while effectively managing, motivating, and mentoring team members across the globe.

Welcome to DediRock, your trusted partner in high-performance hosting solutions. At DediRock, we specialize in providing dedicated servers, VPS hosting, and cloud services tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses and individuals alike. Our mission is to deliver reliable, scalable, and secure hosting solutions that empower our clients to achieve their digital goals. With a commitment to exceptional customer support, cutting-edge technology, and robust infrastructure, DediRock stands out as a leader in the hosting industry. Join us and experience the difference that dedicated service and unwavering reliability can make for your online presence. Launch our website.