The Networking Systems pathway at the Marshall Center for Advanced Careers is designed to prepare students for success in Information Technology and Cybersecurity, two of the fastest-growing and most in-demand fields today. Led by Information Technology educators Dehua Lea and Eduardo Cantu, the program is part of the Career & Technical Education (CTE) framework and reflects both current industry standards and local workforce needs.
Networking Systems falls under the Information Technology CTE Cluster and offers a structured four-year course sequence that builds students’ knowledge and skills over time. Students begin with Principles of Information Technology in 9th grade, followed by Computer Maintenance with Labs in 10th grade, Computer Networking with Labs in 11th grade, and conclude with the Practicum in Information Technology Cybersecurity in 12th grade, a course offered on a 5.0 GPA scale. This progression allows students to move from foundational concepts to advanced, career-ready applications.
Throughout the pathway, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the infrastructure side of computing and the skills needed to pursue careers in IT and cybersecurity. As the instructors explain, students explore computer hardware and software, networking, and cybersecurity in depth. They first learn how to maintain systems, then how devices communicate within home and corporate environments, and finally how to secure those systems. Across all courses, there is a strong emphasis on developing troubleshooting skills that mirror real-world IT work.
Hands-on and real-world learning are central to the program. Students regularly interact with both physical hardware in on-site labs and virtual tools that simulate industry environments. One key resource is the Cyber Range, where students can practice responding to various cyberattack scenarios. In addition, the curriculum includes many industry scenario–based labs that allow students to apply technical concepts to realistic workplace challenges.
Beyond the classroom, students have access to valuable work-based learning opportunities. The program offers a summer internship in partnership with Alief ISD Campus Support Services, where students work alongside campus support specialists and assist with IT tasks across the district. These experiences give students firsthand exposure to professional IT environments and expectations.
The program also provides opportunities for students to earn industry-recognized certifications. Students may pursue CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications, all of which are recognized by the State of Texas as Tier I certifications. “Tier 1 certs are aligned with high wage, high demand jobs,” the instructors note, adding that only about five percent of industry-based certifications in Texas fall into this category. These certifications are typically pursued by professionals with several years of industry experience, giving students a significant advantage early in their careers.
Enrollment in the Networking Systems pathway begins when students select it as their endorsement in 8th grade. The introductory course, Principles of Information Technology, serves as the entry point, and special sections have recently been added specifically for incoming freshmen interested in the pathway. To support students and families, information is shared through the Alief CTE website, which features program videos, as well as marketing brochures available through counselors and displayed in the CTE building.
The program aims to prepare students for both college and career pathways after graduation. Many students choose to pursue technology-related majors in college and find that they have already learned many of the same concepts. Others enter the workforce directly and are well prepared for roles such as desktop support or help desk technicians. The focus on technical knowledge, certifications, and problem-solving skills ensures students are ready for multiple postsecondary options.
The Networking Systems pathway is closely aligned with local workforce demands. Several IT careers connected to the program are designated by Gulf Coast Workforce Solutions as high-skill, high-growth occupations. According to the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston is home to more than 9,100 tech-related firms, with projected workforce growth of two percent per year. With the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence across industries, the instructors emphasize that the program is well positioned to prepare students to support and secure emerging technologies.
Strong partnerships further enhance student outcomes. In addition to Alief ISD Campus Support Services, the program partners with NPower, a nonprofit organization that provides IT training and job placement assistance. Three alumni who participated in the summer internship last year are now about to complete NPower’s Tech Fundamentals program, an intensive 20-week workforce training experience designed to help young adults and military veterans enter the IT support workforce. Through this program, participants receive training, internships, and industry certifications, along with wraparound services, job placement assistance, and ongoing support. This success highlights the long-term impact of the program’s partnerships beyond high school.
Equity and access are also priorities within the Networking Systems pathway. Intentional recruiting efforts focus on reaching women and minorities, who are traditionally underrepresented in the technology sector. Any eligible student is welcome to enroll, and all students are provided equal access to curriculum materials, equipment, labs, and hands-on learning opportunities.
Currently, approximately 120 students are enrolled in the upper-level Information Technology courses at the Marshall Center for Advanced Careers. Through a combination of structured coursework, hands-on experiences, industry certifications, and strong community partnerships, the Networking Systems program continues to empower students to build successful futures in IT and cybersecurity.