The cybersecurity profession is growing as technology evolves and becomes a fabric of society, especially with the younger generation. Harris County Department of Education is hosting the 2019 Cybersecurity Career Connection Conference for local educators and students May 15.

“When it comes to students and what’s available, we want to bring in colleges and professionals in the field so they can learn more specific skills to be successful,” Colina Poullard, HCDE Director of Digital Education and Innovation, said.

She said this field is new to the career and technical education classes in schools.

“This is a new pathway being offered in high school and teachers need additional ways to focus on in this new subject,” Poullard said.

Students will get the chance to meet with industry professionals such as an FBI agent and IT professional, colleges and universities including Houston Baptist University and University of Houston. Teachers will learn how to sharpen their craft and give their students better insight and instruction on becoming a cybersecurity professional.

Attendees will have the chance to ask questions to four industry professionals such as what is needed to get into the profession and what pathway they took in school.

The conference will be at Harris County Department of Education, 6300 Irvington Blvd., Houston, TX 77022, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with registration beginning at 8 a.m.

Cost to attend is $25 for teachers and $10 for students. Teachers who bring 25 students are free. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Make sure to register by Tuesday, May 14. Payments will be taken at the door on Wednesday, May 15. Register online at https://bit.ly/2KV499f.

For more information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Colina Poullard at cpoullard@hcde-texas.org.