Mission, Texas – In today’s digital world, cyber-attacks are becoming more and more common. Mission Consolidated Independent School District is helping combat these online risks by offering an introductory cybersecurity program. High school students that are enrolled in the newly created Career and Technology Education program are learning to protect themselves and others against cybersecurity threats.
Computer Science Teacher at Veterans Memorial High School, Esperanza Flores-Garza, found interest in teaching the course after receiving her master's degree in Cybersecurity. She has found it to be very impactful during this time, as COVID-19 has shifted our digital presence online.
“Cyber security is very important now. Some of the skills the students are acquiring are learning is going into their social media accounts to set them into a private secure mode.” said Ms. Flores-Garza “Also, it’s important that the students share this knowledge with their peers so that they can be informed on how to be safe on social media.”
For the students, applying the skills learned in the classroom to real-world situations has been extremely helpful. Mission Collegiate High School Student, Caroline Espinoza, has been integrating the lessons learned in her day-to-day life.
“I’ve learned a lot of things I had never seen before.” Caroline shared “For example, if you download a free movie per se on the internet, the hacker will give you the movie for free in bad quality, but they will also hide bad files on your computer that can compromise your information.”
Preparing the students for postsecondary education is integrated in the Career and Technology classes offered by Mission CISD.
“Once they’ve completed the course, the students will receive a certification that’s industry-based recognized called IT Fundamentals through CompTIA.” shared Ms. Flores-Garza “This beginning certification can be applied to entry-level positions and is something the students can expand on once they finish the course”.
Parents can enroll their children at Mission CISD through the online registration system at, https://www.mcisd.net/ Help in registering for school can also be found by calling 323-5578.
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