Did you know that the median salary in cyber security in the United States is $95K? And, cyber security jobs are in high demand. According to UMBC, “There are over 209,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the U.S. and 2 million worldwide.”
That’s one of the reasons that SEED MD recently launched the InfoArmor Cyber Lab, with the generous support of a local Baltimore family. The goal of the cyber lab is to provide SEED students with greater access to this burgeoning field.
In November, we spoke to Andrew Pham, director of the InfoArmor Cyber Lab to learn more about SEED MD’s cyber lab and his exciting new role.
Welcome to the SEED community! Can you tell us a little about your background?
Before joining SEED, I spent ten years with Baltimore City Public Schools. Most recently, I was building makerspace experiences for students with special needs. I came to SEED to build an excellent cyber lab where students will be exposed to cutting-edge technologies and have opportunities for internships and higher education in the tech field.
What is the goal of SEED MD’s cyber lab?
Our ultimate goal is to prepare students for careers in cyber security and other high-tech fields. Our students are already using technology for fun. Through our cyber lab, we are transitioning them from “Computers are for playing games and watching videos” to “I can use technology to design my own media. I can create things.”
How does the cyber lab work?
When we are finished, we will have a fully functioning SOC (Secure Operating Center) makerspace to teach students about 3D design and fabrication, coding, and robotics. We’re also aiming to partner with other departments at SEED to offer AP Computer Science, cyber security, networking, and other tech-related classes. Finally, we will have an after-school enrichment program focused on design, robotics, and cyber security.
Are students interested in the cyber lab? Which classes are most popular?
Absolutely! We are still developing our curriculum, but 3D fabrication and coding are two classes that have gained the most interest. Additionally, we will be participating in the CyberPatriot's National Youth Cyber Defense Competition in 2020. Students are excited about that!
Is there anything else you would like to add that you want the SEED community to know?
This is a big endeavor that cannot come to fruition without work from all our stakeholders. For example, we recently formed a volunteer committee that is comprised of cyber security professors, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the industry who will help guide our programming and foster connections to high-tech companies in and around Baltimore. Together, we are building a lab that will be a model for high-tech urban education and change the trajectory of our students’ lives.