LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A program at UNLV is working with Las Vegas Valley high schools to recruit future technology experts as demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow.
Santiago Montenegro and Humza Moten are UNLV students studying to become cyber experts. They are involved with the university’s free cyber clinic, a student-led program that provides small businesses with cybersecurity measures to reduce the risk of hacking.
“There’s always been a great demand, and there’s even greater demand with technology in general, which cybersecurity impacts everything that has to do with our networks, our infrastructures, all of that,” Moten said.
The cyber clinic helps students develop both technical skills and confidence in their field.
“Really reinforcing that computer science knowledge is important. Getting involved in the cyber clinic helped me feel like a sense of belonging and really pushed my drive to pursue more knowledge,” Montenegro said.
Both Montenegro and Moten said their interest in cybersecurity began in high school.
“I feel like I became a lot more cyber literate. I was able to convey what I wanted to learn, what I needed help on, and it really just made me more prepared going into college,” Moten said.
Several schools in the valley, including Shadow Ridge High School, are working to recruit more students into the clinic’s junior member program.
“So we are looking for, and by we, I mean the district, are looking for ways to get them more real-world experience,” said Lloyd Mann, the computer science teacher at Shadow Ridge High School.
The program connects students with companies that need basic cybersecurity help.
“Going to these companies that need entry-level, real basic, simple type of cyber hygiene, is what we call it. And the kid gets experience helping the company out,” he said.
Students can get jobs after college in a field with strong demand. According to CyberSeek, there are 4,000 cybersecurity jobs available in Nevada and more than half a million openings across the country.
“Cybersecurity will only start being more and more critical if it’s not as critical as it is now. And it’s always going to be there. It’s always going to be a sustainable and sufficient job. And the ability to help people secure themselves online is just the greatest thing you can do,” Moten said.
Nearly 30 high school students have taken part in UNLV’s cyber clinic junior member program.
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