FutureReadyNYC Cybersecurity Pathway
Equipping students with skills to defend, protect, and lead in the digital world.
🔐 Welcome to the Cybersecurity Pathway
The FutureReadyNYC Cybersecurity Pathway at The High School for Enterprise, Business and Technology prepares students for careers in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world — cybersecurity and IT. This four-term CTE-aligned program is backed by industry leaders like CompTIA and TestOut, and includes hands-on labs, certification prep, and dual enrollment courses with LaGuardia Community College.
Students graduate with technical skills, real certifications, and college credits — ready for the workforce or further study.
📘 What Makes FutureReady Special?
- Aligned with Industry Certifications – Students prepare for CompTIA’s A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications using the TestOut platform.
- College Credit Opportunities – Students earn up to 12 college credits through dual enrollment with LaGuardia Community College.
- Work-Based Learning (WBL) – Required internships, job shadows, and industry mentorships develop real workplace experience.
- Exam Vouchers Provided – Students receive free vouchers (over $900 in value) to sit for CompTIA certification exams.
📎 CompTIA Certifications
📎 TestOut Cybersecurity Solutions
🧑🏫 Four-Term Course Sequence
Students begin the pathway in 10th grade and follow this structured progression:
| Term | Course Title | Certification Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | CFM / Computer Applications | Intro to Computers & Tech Literacy |
| Term 2 | IT Essentials | CompTIA A+ Prep |
| Term 3 | Networking Essentials | CompTIA Network+ Prep |
| Term 4 | Cybersecurity Essentials | CompTIA Security+ Prep |
✔️ All courses are supported by TestOut virtual labs, simulations, and practice exams
✔️ Class instruction takes place in Room 462 with certified CTE instructors
🏆 Certifications: CompTIA Credentialing Path
Students are prepared for the following nationally recognized IT certifications:
| Certification | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| CompTIA A+ | Hardware, software, OS, troubleshooting, support | $246 |
| CompTIA Network+ | Network devices, configurations, protocols, security | $358 |
| CompTIA Security+ | Risk analysis, encryption, attacks, network defense | $392 |
✔️ Free vouchers provided to students in each course
✔️ Exams offered onsite or at authorized CompTIA testing centers
✔️ Credentials are stackable and job-qualifying
🎓 College Credit: Dual Enrollment at LaGuardia
Students can earn up to 12 college credits by taking four LaGuardia Community College courses offered through our school:
| Course Name | Course Code | Credits | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Year Seminar | LIF100 | 3 | College & career readiness, planning, transition skills |
| Statistics | MAT120 | 3 | Intro to statistical methods, distributions, inference |
| Computer Fundamentals | MAC100 | 3 | PC hardware/software, system support, IT troubleshooting |
| Intro to Python Programming | MAC108 | 3 | Python basics, logic, automation, scripting for security |
💼 Cybersecurity Careers & Salaries
This program prepares students for a wide range of IT and cybersecurity roles. Many can be pursued directly after high school or through further education and experience.
| Job Role | Description | Avg. U.S. Salary* |
|---|---|---|
| IT Support Specialist | User tech support and troubleshooting | $56,000 |
| Cybersecurity Technician | Entry-level system monitoring, threat prevention | $60,000 |
| SOC Analyst (Tier 1) | Monitor alerts and respond to incidents | $72,000 |
| Network Administrator | Maintain and configure internal networks | $80,000 |
| Security Analyst | Assess risks, implement defense strategies | $95,000 |
| Penetration Tester (Junior) | Test systems for vulnerabilities | $95,000 |
| Cloud Security Technician | Manage secure cloud environments | $92,000 |
| Digital Forensics Assistant | Recover and analyze digital evidence | $70,000 |
*Data from CyberSeek, CompTIA, and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024)
🧩 Work-Based Learning Experiences
FutureReadyNYC Cybersecurity students complete at least 54 hours of WBL through:
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Mentorships and guest speakers from the tech sector
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Virtual and in-person internships
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Cybersecurity competitions (e.g., CyberPatriot)
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Real-world case studies and project-based learning
📥 How to Join
Students may join the Cybersecurity Pathway starting in 10th grade. To qualify, students must:
- Pass Algebra 1 & English Regents with 70% or higher
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Demonstrate interest in technology and cyber safety
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Commit to the four-course sequence
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Participate in WBL, college credit, and certification opportunities