Cybersecurity Pathway · Brooklyn, NYC

Creating a Defined
Pathway to a Career

Brooklyn STEAM Center partnered with Work ED to build a cybersecurity career pathway for high school students

Students · Cyber Discovery Program

Students · Advanced Cybersecurity

Students · Pre-Apprenticeship

Arlenee Lopez, CISO, Summit Trail Advisors

“Cybersecurity isn't one of those careers where you need to start or finish college to get into it. There are free resources and certifications you can take to get you ready for entry-level positions, and you can continue your growth while you're employed. That's what makes this program really interesting is it starts you early on. I wish I had that opportunity."

The Challenge

Bringing practical, impactful cybersecurity programs to a thriving entrepreneurial hub in Brooklyn.

Cybersecurity is an in-demand industry that is experiencing skills gaps, in the US and globally.

Cybersecurity is a high-salary career, with entry-level wages averaging $75,804 in the US.

Entry-level cybersecurity jobs are accessible without a college degree

Creating changes

"The commitment of Work ED to customized, experiential learning sets them in a league of their own as pioneers in work-centered education, Work ED connects theoretical classroom education with practical industry involvement, equipping our students with priceless understanding and prospects for their careers. "

– Damiano Mastrandrea, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Brooklyn STEAM Center

Career Launch: The Cyber Pre-Apprenticeship Model

Three stages to career readiness

Cyber Discovery Externship

Students were introduced to cybersecurity as a career pathway, learning why it's a desirable and accessible career.

Advanced Cybersecurity

Students deepened their technical skills and explored specialized cybersecurity domains in a more intensive program.

6-Week Pre-Apprenticeship

Students simulated the role of a Cyber professional with advanced tools, guest experts, and alumni mentors.

Pre-Apprenticeship highlights

Visiting Summit Trail Advisors HQ with CISO Arlenee Lopez
OSINT exercise with Raili Taylor, Senior Data Scientist for the State of Utah
Mock interviews with Michael Woodson, Global Director of Cybersecurity — International Hotels Corp
Return of Work ED cyber grad Akeeme Black, now a Data Engineer at IBM
Work ED cyber grad Matthew Resnick sharing expertise as a guest speaker
A trip to the UN guided by Donna Woods, winner of the inaugural Presidential Cybersecurity Education Award

"Thanks to these connections I've made, and the education I've got from my mentors in the past 6 weeks, I have narrowed down what I want from my field I'm chasing down, and also what I'm looking for in a job."

Cyber Pre-Apprenticeship Student

"Everyone that was part of this apprenticeship was very nice to work with, the instructors were very informative, and they show a lot of passion for us and for the fields they're working in."

Jodestee, Cyber Pre-Apprenticeship Student

"It was really good, the mentors and the instructors, they were all very supportive of what we were doing and they made sure that they could help us in any way that they found possible."

Fahim, Cyber Pre-Apprenticeship Student

"Having this group around me ... it was really fun and interactive. We went in and chose how to do a proper cybersecurity launch, what decisions you'd need to make so that a company wouldn't be attacked."

Cyber Pre-Apprenticeship Student

Program Photos