Washtenaw High Schools Train Next Generation of Cybersecurity Experts

Teens across Washtenaw County, Michigan now tackle real-world security challenges through specialized tech programs. These training paths open doors to careers with salaries starting at $60,000 and reaching $400,000 yearly.

Students in four districts master network protection skills and build defense systems against online threats. The programs push participants toward earning CompTIA Security+ credentials - a vital first step into the field.

"We have students doing a lot of different labs involved in social engineering. They'll do labs in, say, firewalls," said Jason Rickli, who leads the program at Chelsea High School, according to Concentrate Media.

A mix of industry pros guides the curriculum. The team pulls talent from Consumers Energy, universities, the U.S. Department of Defense, and district tech teams.

Field trips put students right in the action at security command centers. "The kids get to tour the Consumers Energy response headquarters . . . They get to talk to all the people defending the infrastructure in Michigan against any cyberattacks," Rickli said.

Links with Washtenaw Community College mean students earn college credit while still in high school. Past graduates now staff college IT desks or support their former schools' tech needs.

Student Zach Underwood plans to study security in college. "I get to leave the CTE experience with real-world certifications and real-world knowledge, which will skip schooling and save me time once I'm looking for a job," he said.

At just 17, Liam Favre puts his skills to work at home. "When my family decided to get a new router last year, I was the one who set all of it up, which was actually pretty easy," he said.

The training welcomes all skill levels. "We've had students who have had coding experience, and students who have none. We have students who struggle in school up to the valedictorians," Rickli said.

As Michigan builds its status as a security tech center, these high school programs shape future experts. Within Washtenaw County alone, 70 career tech paths await students.