With cybersecurity skills in high demand, 20 local high school students got a head start this summer by completing a free college-level course at Leeward Community College. Over eight weeks, ICS 171: Introduction to Computer Security students learned about network security, cryptography and ethical hacking.

“This course made a field that once felt out of reach accessible,” said Antonio Gonzalez, a student at Leilehua High School. “Now that I have a better understanding of cybersecurity, I realize it’s something I can apply in my programming and even consider as a career path.”

Mentors and role models

Students engaged with professionals such as Brandon Lester, president of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Hawai‘i, and Tess Schwalger, executive assistant to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, who shared real-world insights into cybersecurity careers.

“We invest in mentors, guest speakers and role models so students can envision themselves in these roles,” said Jennifer Sabas, Pacific Intelligence and Innovation Initiative (P3I) co-lead. “It’s so important they know they have what it takes to be successful.”

Tedi Kam-Yahata, P3I’s K–12 lead, added, “To be successful, we knew we needed to start in the high schools, finding different ways to support career pathways.”

The class also took field trips to the Hitachi Rail operations center and the Naval Information Warfare Center in Pearl City, witnessing firsthand how cyber defense protects vital infrastructure.

“I highly recommend taking this course,” said Riley Allen, a Radford High School student. “Even if you don’t have that expertise, you can get beginner-level knowledge of it.”

Cybersecurity credentials

The three-credit course was a partnership between Leeward CC’s Information and Computer Sciences program and the Pacific Intelligence and Innovation Initiative (P3I). It concluded on July 24, with a certificate presentation ceremony.

P3I also covered the cost of CompTIA Security+ exam vouchers, a widely recognized cybersecurity credential. One student passed the exam before the course ended.

Leeward CC plans to offer the course again next summer.

“Our goal is to give students a taste of college so that enrolling later feels less intimidating,” said William Albritton, Leeward CC professor and division chair.

– by Kaila Nishi & Devon Bedoya

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