Moreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD) will offer new curriculum, practice labs and exams for students to obtain internationally recognized certifications in computer science as part of a new partnership with CompTIA. CompTIA is considered one of the Information Technology industry's top trade associations, offering certifications sought by most industry employers. MVUSD is one of ten school districts across the country to be named a partner this spring.
The partnership, funded through a $125,000 “Doing What Matters” grant, was facilitated through the California Community Colleges and the Governor’s Office. MVUSD works with several community college partners, including Moreno Valley College, where the district has a strong partnership in cyber security programs.
“As a school board, our goal is to build these pathways so students can continue directly out of high school into a college or career,” said Board of Education President Susan Smith.
The CompTIA Authorized Academy Partnership will add to the district’s robust cyber security curriculum. The district’s cyber security courses meet the requirements to receive college credit at several Southern California colleges. The program will also offer certification testing so students are able to leave high school with certificates required for many high-paying entry level IT jobs, without having to go offsite to complete a course and exam.
“We have dedicated students working extremely hard to leave high school ready for a future in cyber security,” said Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora. “Our students will now be able to complete highly-regarded certifications right here in Moreno Valley, eliminating travel and expenses that could prevent them from receiving the certifications.”
Cyber jobs are in high demand, with an estimated 31,700 openings in California. More than half of those jobs require one of CompTIAs certifications. The average starting yearly salary for these job openings is about $80,000.
“We are investing in our greatest asset, our students, by focusing on strategies and tools to implement now,” said MVUSD cyber security teacher Donna Woods, “College recognize that we are preparing students for cyber careers by thinking outside the box.”
In addition to assisting students, the Academy will also allow district employees to access certifications that will support career advancement.