A pathway built to craft irresistible resumes
Our Work-Based Learning programs empower students to transition smoothly from high school to college and into impactful careers. By partnering with Work ED, you can seamlessly set up and run these programs.
Industry and Educator Partners of Work ED Programs
Three High-Tech Industry Pathways
Choose from these programs or collaborate with our team to create a tailor-made experience just for you. Each pathway is designed to open doors to high-earning careers and networking opportunities with industry experts, helping us build a bridge to high-skill, high-growth career paths that fuel both personal success and statewide economic prosperity.
20 Hour Cybersecurity Discovery
Introduction and Critical Infrastructure
Kickstart your journey into the world of cybersecurity by understanding why it matters and how you can be a hero in the digital frontier. Learn what it takes to protect and defend critical U.S. infrastructure and network with professionals whose role it is to keep our communities safe.
Team Cyber Challenge:
You are part of a Cybersecurity management team for a new start up company and your CEO is pushing you to launch your new tech product immediately. However, your team finds there are inherent security risks in the software you are releasing. Your team must manage the safety, political and time pressures to effectively release your new product.
Financial Crimes
Get a firsthand look into the mind of a cyber criminal and understand the different methods they use to infiltrate computer systems stealing American citizen’s data. See the anatomy of a cyber hack and ask questions of industry whose role it is to protect against major cyber crimes.
Team Cyber Challenge:
Conduct a real-life cyber case study with your investigative team. Uncover a cyber threat and work collaboratively to present your solution on how to mitigate the damage and stop the attack.
The Private Sector
Cyber attacks affect businesses large and small. Hear from industry on how they safeguard their interests against foreign and domestic threats which affect their ability to survive.
Team Cyber Challenge:
In your role as a National Cybersecurity Analyst you’ll have a limited amount of time to hack into and search a U.S. official’s computer to find sensitive information leaks to report to your team.
Protecting Our Nation
Keep our nation safe by uncovering foreign and domestic cyber threats which affect our nation's citizens and everyday life. Understand the balance between privacy and security in this interactive workshop.
Team Cyber Challenge:
Conduct a security assessment of a company by using various open-source tools and the vendor’s website to determine if they have a mature security program or not.
Next Steps + Final Challenge
Get a deep dive into the advanced methods of system hardening and how to use this externship and your network as a stepping stone bringing you closer to the workforce.
Team Cyber Challenge:
Use everything you’ve learned to earn the most points for your team as you compete against the other groups in a Capture the Flag competition!
Results in Numbers
Taken from the 2024 AI Discovery Program student survey in NYC -- Click here to learn more
4.3⭐️
average student rating overall
4.6⭐️
student score for Work ED staff
97%
would sign up for the advanced program
Success Story: "Work ED Links CA and NYC to Build Cybersecurity Talent"
Our work-based learning partnership with Moreno Valley and The Brooklyn STEAM Center in New York City is getting students the career and networking skills they need to get hired. This program is approved and supported by NYC Public Schools.
"Work ED provided an exemplary customized approach to our needs, exceeding our expectations on every level. Our students gained valuable industry experience and lifelong network connections."
– Donna Woods, Presidential Cyber Teacher of the Year Winner and Academic Pathway Lead, Moreno Valley
110students
Attended the Cyber Discovery Program.
80students
Attended the Advanced Cybersecurity Program.
30students
Attended the Pre-Apprenticeship Program and are ready for career launch!
Frequently Asked Questions
What support does Work ED provide to educators?
Work ED offers teacher training, curriculum resources, professional development networks, and ongoing technical assistance to help educators implement pathway programs effectively.
How does Work ED help schools develop industry partnerships?
Work ED maintains an extensive network of industry partners and helps facilitate connections between schools and employers for externships, guest speaking, mentorship, and curriculum development.
What student outcomes can schools expect?
Work ED programs demonstrate high postsecondary enrollment rates, industry certification achievement, and career placement in high-wage fields.
What metrics are used to evaluate program success?
Key metrics include student participation rates, certification achievement, postsecondary enrollment, work-based learning completion, and career placement rates in pathway industries.
What Our Students Say About Us
"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 terms of what's surrounding me."
Tyreese, Cyber Pathway Grad
"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 Pathway Graduate
"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 Pathway Grad
“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.”
Daniella, Cyber Scholar
"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 terms of what's surrounding me."
Tyreese, Cyber Pathway Grad
"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 Pathway Graduate
"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 Pathway Grad
“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.”
Daniella, Cyber Scholar