A brand new course is available this year to ETHS students: AP Cybersecurity. The class focuses on safe online practices and diving into data theft and leaks.
“The goal for this class is to set students up to think about using their technology and how to use safe practices online,” said Stribling-Vergara, who is teaching the course.
Stribling-Vergara is excited about the course structure, noting that it gives students both technical knowledge and practical skills they can apply in real life.
“The class is divided into two parts,” said Stribling-Vergara. “The first focuses on understanding how networking works and ties into cybersecurity. The second emphasizes keeping yourself and others safe–making sure students avoid trouble and protect their personal information.”
The course is organized into five units that will cover security spaces and controls, network architecture, device-level security, security applications and data protection and encryption. Students will also engage with realistic scenario-based tasks.
Part of College Board’s new Career Kickstart program, AP Cybersecurity is now included in the ETHS Advanced Placement course list. The format helps prepare students for the AP exam by focusing on college readiness rather than career-specific knowledge, giving them a head start for higher education.
Hunter Kleinschmit, a current AP Cybersecurity student, appreciates the opportunity to take this innovative class.
“Because of this class, I could see myself going into a career in cybersecurity or something in cyberspace. If I don’t do that, I will use the skills I have learned in this class in my future job,” said Kleinschmit.
Additionally, those who score high enough on the AP Exam will receive the AP Cybersecurity Credential, which will support students as they progress to college courses and eventually the workforce.
“I really believe in the importance of learning about technology in general,” said Stribling-Vergara. “We use all these devices every day–but do we actually know how to use them properly? Do we understand how our use of technology is affecting us personally and the people around us?”
Principal Dr. Quiana McNeal also believes that courses like AP Cybersecurity play a vital role in preparing students for the future.
“Classes like AP Cybersecurity expose students to new content that can spark an interest, influencing post-secondary pathways,” said McNeal.
From now on, the class will be available to all students who are interested in exploring technology and digital problem solving, skills that are prominent in today’s world.
“I’d recommend this class to everyone. It’s interesting, covers topics of varying difficulty, teaches valuable life skills, boosts your GPA if you do well and gives you a head start in cybersecurity and college,” said Kleinschmit.
