Page 32 - BusinessWest May 27, 2024

“We are excited to offer a wide range of training programs that help non- traditional students pursue their dream careers.”
The comprehensive curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience. The pro- gram includes a part-time option running classes three evenings a week for nine months. A summer and winter boot camp will be offered that runs for 10 weeks (full-time day program), which allows students to attend classes five days a week.
Eventually, students who follow the cybersecurity track will use the Richard E. Neal Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Springfield, scheduled to open later this year. The facility will serve as a dynamic hub for advanc- ing cybersecurity awareness, education, innovation, and battling global security threats.
The 6,000-square-foot facility will include a cyber range, which is a simulated training environment, and security operations center, which is envisioned as a sup- port service for Massachusetts municipalities, as well as regional businesses, to detect cybersecurity events in real time and respond quickly.
STCC offers a number of training opportunities through its Workforce Development division, from a free program that prepares students to be paraeducators in Springfield to the Hampden Prep program, which pro- vides basic computer skill training.
“We are excited to offer a wide range of training pro- grams that help non-traditional students pursue their dream careers,” said Gladys Franco, assistant vice presi- dent of Workforce Development at STCC. “Our goal is to make it easier for people looking to get started in a career. We’re particularly excited about the IT Academy, which provides a pathway to build a career in IT and cybersecu- rity. It’s a growing field with many opportunities.”
Immersive Education
Students in the Pathway to Cybersecurity program are learning in person in a classroom taught by April Bellafio-
re, Cruz Antonio Pagan, and Andrew Collins, a professor for the Cybersecurity program at STCC.
Students also participate in interactive computer train- ing labs focused on obtaining CompTIA certifications, which are industry standards that IT professionals can use to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to potential employers.
The training is “beginner-friendly,” Bellafiore said. The course provides students with skills to be successful in the Cybersecurity program and in the workforce.
Students enrolled in the course come from a variety of backgrounds. Shelby Kiendzior graduated from STCC with a degree in dental hygiene and worked in the field, but plans on changing her career.
“I will be getting four certifications in different IT-relat- ed courses,” Kiendzior said. “This course will set me up for where I want to go in IT or tech.”
Luz Padilla, who hails from Puerto Rico, called the IT Academy “the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
She added, “I love computers. I love troubleshooting, and I would like to work in homeland security someday. The class is amazing. The teacher’s great. I got a lot of encouragement from everybody here, especially Miss April.”
She was referring to Bellafiore, an instructor who has taught in-person and online courses for more than 20 years.
“I am excited to work with the IT Academy students to prepare them for a dynamic and exciting industry,” Bella- fiore said. “We also encourage students to continue their education and apply for the STCC Cybersecurity two- year degree program. In today’s digital age, every indus- try relies on IT expertise. It’s a growing field with many rewarding and diverse job opportunities.” BW
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