Chandler schools’ cybersecurity clinic certifies 59 students

By Jason W. Brooks
Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2

When Sumedha Balwadgi signed up for the Chandler Unified School District’s Cybersecurity Clinic, she already knew what she found interesting about the career.

“We need to know that our data is safe,” Balwadgi said after she and 58 other CUSD high school students received certificates March 25 for completing the clinic. “It impacts every aspect of our lives.”

Balwadgi was one of speakers March 25 at Arizona College Prep High School, recognizing the first “graduating class” of a first-year after-school program. She and 58 students of ACP or Basha high schools received certificates for completing 60-plus hours of training in cybersecurity at no charge.

The joint Chandler Unified School District-University of Arizona program is aimed at students who want to enter the cybersecurity field.

Clinic Director Dr. Paul Wagner, who also spoke at the event, told the Chandler Independent the program is “experiential,” in that students synthesize information and apply it to a real-world client.

“It’s a two-part process,” Wagner explained. “First, they went through the eight-module Google Cybersecurity Professionals Certificate. Then, in January, they moved on to work with (CUSD’s coordinator of emerging technologies) Janet Hartzkopf, who provided risk assessment modules for them. Now, they’ll transition into working with the school district to provide risk assessments for them.”

Wagner said students don’t earn university credit, they do earn a “digital badge” that can be part of a resume or student profile in some way.

Balwadgi said the tech industries are evolving so fast, it’s unclear what role cybersecurity professionals will play, but she’s confident there will be one.

“We never know when or where we’ll need more of this type of security,” she said. “This industry is going to need a lot more people.”

We invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.   Email Jason W. Brooks at jbrooks@iniusa.org.

Jason W. Brooks
News Editor | Chandler Independent

Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.

Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.

Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.

Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.

Community: He supports animal shelters.