Why CyberSecurity?

Nearly 40 cybersecurity companies have headquarters located in San Antonio, making the Alamo City the second largest concentration of cybersecurity experts in the United States. NEISD has invested in the future of our students by creating the ICSI magnet school program with an educational focus that introduces and prepares students for the careers of the future.

CyberSecurity jobs include the skillsets of analyzing, assessing, developing, operating and defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks and data from malicious attacks. The global cyber threat continues to evolve at a rapid pace with a growing number of data breaches and the increasing CyberSecurity workforce shortage hit 3.4 million positions according to the (ISC)² 2022 Cybersecurity Workforce Study.

Discover the Possibilities

• Students earn two credit hours of instruction while receiving daily transportation to ICSI for 2 class periods
• Students experience working with industry-standard hardware, software, and platforms
• Students learn from both cybersecurity workforce professionals and highly-qualified NEISD instructors
• Students have the opportunity for on-site visits for hands-on experience with cybersecurity companies in San Antonio
• Students can compete in various competitions
• Students can build relationships with stakeholders associated with cybersecurity institutions
• Students are able to participate in community service within the cybersecurity industry through mentorship, instruction, and club opportunities

Our Goals 

At iCSI, our goals are to provide:

• Evolving Cybersecurity Curriculum
  Continuously refine and adapt our curriculum to align with the latest industry standards and technological advancements in cybersecurity.

• Industry and Academic Collaboration
  Develop and maintain strong partnerships with industry leaders and post-secondary institutions to ensure our curriculum remains relevant and impactful.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities
  Provide students with access to cutting-edge technology and resources, enhancing their learning experience and practical skills.

• College and Career Readiness
  Equip students with the knowledge, skills, and certifications necessary to excel in higher education and the cybersecurity workforce.

• Hands-On, Experiential Learning
  Incorporate practical labs, simulations, and real-world scenarios to deepen student understanding.

• Continuous Professional Development
  Promote ongoing education and skill development for both students and instructors to stay current with cybersecurity trends and threats.

• Student Achievement and Growth
  Create a supportive environment that establishes academic excellence, personal growth, and the pursuit of cybersecurity certifications and competitions.

• Strong Foundation in Cybersecurity Fundamentals
  Ensure students gain a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, practices, and ethical considerations.

• Community Engagement
  Involve students in community outreach and awareness programs to promote cybersecurity best practices and educate the public.

Cybersecurity Certifications

iCSI students are prepared for a variety of cybersecurity careers through a range of certifications integrated into their curriculum. They start with foundational IT skills through the ITF+ certification, advance to Network+ for networking expertise, and then tackle Security+ for comprehensive security principles. This leads to students working towards the Splunk Core certification while also having the option to pursue additional certifications, such as CCNA, Pentest+, or CYSA+, to reach their career goals. By offering a variety of certifications through multiple opportunities, iCSI equips students with the credentials and experience needed to succeed in various cybersecurity roles.