By J1 Reporter Katherine Dietz

Marian has been given a unique opportunity to test out a new class, AP CK Cyber Networking. This course will give students the chance to develop careers in cybersecurity.

The class, a new offering from College Board, does not result in college credit but instead, provides a career certificate that can help students apply for jobs and internships. The goal of this Advanced Placement Career Kickstart class is to offer more practical value to students who want to work while attending college. The certification program for the class is the same one that cybersecurity experts have to take, but in the format of a high school class. 

College Board created the Career Kickstart program to address the issue of high schoolers taking AP classes solely for a GPA boost. Instead, the program focuses on teaching a variety of skills with real-world applications beyond computer science.

The course teaches students the hardware basics of running a cyber network, allowing them to practice without the risk of damaging real networks. Like other AP classes, it culminates in a test.

Marian is among the first schools to offer this course, as it is still in a testing phase. Dr. Sharon Genoways, who teaches several computer science classes at Marian, will lead the course.

“The skills from this class won’t ever go away,” Genoways said. “I’m excited to teach networking, and I believe it will open up STEM career opportunities for many Marian girls.”

“It’s really huge,” she added. “It’s going to be great for Marian.”

Students are also enthusiastic about the class and its potential to help with job applications. Junior Madeline Iske is excited to learn more about cybersecurity and is glad Marian is catering to diverse interests.

“I love the opportunity to grow these skills in high school,” Iske said. “It allows me to experiment with my interests while thinking about college classes or a future career.”

The new Career Kickstart class at Marian helps students get ahead in job applications and prepares them to enter the ever-growing cybersecurity industry.