I read this article on tech boot camps, inspiring me to write this post.
Dreams Deferred
I recently presented at the CAE (Center for Academic Excellence) Forum, “Dreams Deferred: The Cost of Cybersecurity Education,” discussing boot camps/training center programs centered around cybersecurity.
The inspiration for my presentation came as I read articles discussing potential solutions to retain and strengthen the cybersecurity pipeline. But I didn’t see articles discussing the downside and downright predatory practices of some boot camps/training centers with underrepresented groups.
In the past three months, I encountered four African Americans lured into these programs. When I asked what made them want to pursue these boot camps/training centers, they described reading articles and watching the news discussing the cybersecurity workforce shortage. Each person believed that completing the boot camp/training center program would improve their lives by getting a job in cybersecurity.
(Almost) Dream Deferred
Their stories sparked memories of almost enrolling in a training center after high school. At that time, IT was a hot topic. I remember commercials describing students as “job ready” after completing the program, and IT experience was not required. I felt ahead of the curve as I had IT experience working at a non-profit during high school.
The plan was to go to class in the morning (8am-12pm) as classes were half-days (another selling point) and then go to work afterward. After describing this to my mentor, she advised me to not go down that path. Her words, “Jasmine go to community college, do not destroy your life. If something is too good to be true, most times it is.”
I’m glad my mentor gave that advice. If she didn’t, I wouldn’t have done the amazing things in my career, such as being an intern for the first African American to receive a Doctorate in Computer Science (Dr. Clarence “Skip” Ellis), graduating with my Master’s in Computer Science and Graduate Certificate in Information Security and Privacy, traveling the world presenting cybersecurity topics, and mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
Insidious and Predatory Practices
To better understand the insidious and predatory practices of boot camps/training centers, we need to discuss their patterns:
1. Create targeted ads and marketing to underrepresented groups
2. Lure the potential student to get into tech with little to no experience on an accelerated schedule of six months to one year
3. Make the program seem “exclusive” to rush the student to enroll as soon as possible
4. Have students sign private loans to pay for tuition, which on average is between 3k-15k and interest rates of 10%+
5. The coursework is too difficult for the student to master, and they drop out of the program.
OR
6. The coursework is too easy and doesn’t challenge the student
7. The student graduates from the program, doesn’t find a job and has thousands of dollars in debt.
Falling Prey
One of the four people that contacted me described this exact scenario. This person has a private loan for $12,000 with an interest rate of 13%. Their program is six months. I remember telling this person that my interest rate was never that high with all my years of education (Master’s). They also told me they were falling behind in their coursework as the curriculum had drastically increased. When I inquired more about the coursework, I found the curriculum is not accredited, and most of it is currently available on YouTube. After showing them this information, the person felt dejected. Their words, “I spent $12,000 to improve my life, and I could’ve done this on YouTube for free.”
Quality Cybersecurity Education for All
With the increased push to increase and strengthen the cybersecurity pipeline, mainly from the White House with the National Cybersecurity Workforce and Education Summit, the education potential cybersecurity professionals consume must be quality. This is extremely important for underrepresented populations more susceptible to enrolling in faulty programs described above.
I created my non-profit, T-ATP, to provide an environment for prospective cybersecurity professionals to receive quality cybersecurity training and education. Our mission – creating quality cybersecurity education accessible to all. Students shouldn’t go into debt to improve their lives through quality education.
To learn more or support T-ATP, visit the link here.
You must be logged in to post a comment.