ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command’s Chief Warrant Officer 5 Linc McCoy, spoke to students part of the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) and the Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (HSEP) programs at Joppatowne High School during an in-school field trip on April 4.
The trip was an opportunity for McCoy to share his unique experiences and perspectives as a STEM and cybersecurity-focused professional, and the important roles that CECOM and APG civilians play in today’s Army.
McCoy spent time highlighting key moments in his own high school and career experience. He shared his own perspective on the role of APG civilians in today’s Army.
McCoy grew up learning to use whatever resources were available in order to “achieve the impossible.” He said he is passionate about “giving back” to his community, especially when that involves “positively impacting” students.
“Tapping into the gifts that students possess during the early stages is very important,” McCoy said. “[It allows us to] open doors and helps our generation learn at the same time.”
Self awareness was a major theme in his speech to P-TECH students. He emphasized the importance of making good choices while building a “diverse network of mentors.”
McCoy hopes that the students learned the importance of the P-TECH/CECOM partnership and that APG has an “entire technological community” with mentors ready to listen and assist with their future success. Civilians on APG are “critical,” according to McCoy, because they help bridge the Dept. of Defense with commercial business practices while still being focused on the warfighter.
“[CECOM’s partnership with P-TECH] allows students to not only gain an early understanding of how they can tie into the civilian workforce, but also begin working on ‘real world’ projects at an early age,” said McCoy.
McCoy said that connecting with P-TECH was “one of the most memorable moments” and that he feels his “contribution did something impactful” for students in his community.
“I’m confident that positive change in the future will occur,” said McCoy.
More about P-TECH
P-TECH combines the best elements of high school, college and work-based learning. Students are immersed in high school as well as college courses while working in the field of computer information systems or cyber security. The program empowers students to pursue advanced education and to be financially successful in a global economy.
The program meets the needs of every high school student who wishes to graduate from high school with a free college degree in either four to six years. Any rising ninth grader may apply to the program.
P-TECH is offered at Joppatowne High School in partnership with Harford Community College and CECOM on APG, offering students paid internships and individualized mentorship throughout their educational journey.
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