5: First-In-Kind Cybersecurity Programs Cross PATHS Through CTE for High Schoolers

Join Defendify Co-Founder Rob Simopoulos on The Hilt! In this episode, Rob leads a discussion with Nate Jalbert, Cybersecurity Instructor at the Portland Arts and Technology High School (PATHS) and two of his students, Quinn and Maxim. Their conversation covers the cybersecurity program at PATHS—the first CTE program in the state of Maine focused solely on cybersecurity—and students’ experiences. Cybersecurity is a booming field currently experiencing a talent shortage, and programs teaching cybersecurity to students are critical in training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Nate Jalbert is the Cybersecurity Instructor at PATHS where he works to train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals in the skills and certifications they need to kick off a successful career. Nate has a background in Information Technology, with 6 years of IT experience in both the public and private sectors, before starting in the education field. Prior to his position at PATHS, he taught for 7 years in the Information Technology program at the Lewiston Regional Technical Center. Nate is currently based in Portland, Maine.

PATHS is greater Portland’s career and technical education (CTE) high school. Maine’s CTE schools are centers for hands-on, technical education and career-focused programs. Today's CTE programs (previously known as vocational) prepare students for a wide range of high-skill, high-wage, high-demand careers. Students have the opportunity to attend PATHS to learn a career pathway of their choice while still in high school. Students who attend PATHS graduate with a high school diploma from their sending school while potentially having obtained a national certification and college credit in the field of their choice. The PATHS cybersecurity program is an introduction into the exciting world of careers in cybersecurity, taking students into many directions highlighting roles as an analyst, penetration tester, systems administrator, and computer crime investigator. Students learn skills to help keep themselves, their family, and their eventual employer safe on the internet for many years to come.