P-TECH students explore job opportunities during AUSA 2023

WASHINGTON D.C—Ten seniors from Joppatowne High School’s Pathways in Technology Early College High School Program attended the 2023 Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Exposition for a “mock industry engagement” Oct. 10, 2023.

The annual conference, held this year from Oct. 9-11 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, is designed to deliver the Army’s message by highlighting the capabilities of organizations and presenting a wide range of industry products and services. More than 700 exhibitors attended.

CW5 Linc McCoy, the command chief warrant officer for the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, greeted the students when they arrived at the conference. He encouraged the P-TECH students to seek internships while they are there, telling them, “the world is your oyster.” He said exhibitors will be interested in talking to them because “they are the future.”

“[This is an opportunity for you] to see how industry partners play into the role of modernizing the Army when it comes to equipment and supporting our warfighters,” he said.

Lt. Col. Joseph Huitt, the deputy director for talent management for the U.S. Army Cyber Command, also spoke to the students about their career paths along with 1st Lt. Jack Moody and Information Technology Specialist Carter Codell, both with the U.S. Army Cyber Protection Brigade.

Moody told the students to use this experience to engage with the professionals and focus on the information technology displays. He challenged them to examine how the Army uses technology to communicate.

“You are in an awesome field, so please keep pursuing it,” he said.

Huitt said, “We need smart, highly motivated people,” the nation has a great demand for cybersecurity professionals, so their skillset is marketable, he added.

“We are all one team, one fight; It is not just about being a Soldier, there are opportunities [to serve] being a civilian or a contractor,” he said.

P-TECH Senior Riley Cocks said he is fascinated with the military. He aims to pursue a career in cybersecurity.

“This is kind of a dream for me,” he said.

P-TECH Coordinator Shomari Zachary said the students were “amazed” at the job prospects represented at the conference.

“Students are itching to see what’s out there and what opportunities lie ahead,” he said. “I think they got a glimpse of that today,” he said.

About the P-TECH program

The P-TECH program combines the best elements of high school, college, and work-based learning. Students are immersed in high school and college courses while working in the field of computer information systems or cybersecurity. The program empowers students to pursue advanced education and to be financially successful in a global economy. The program 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. Any Harford County rising ninth grader can apply to the program.

For more photos, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/usagapg/albums/72177720312007338.