In today’s fast-evolving digital world, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity are transforming industries and shaping the future job market. For students, especially those in high school and early college, gaining expertise in these areas is becoming essential. The 2025 California AI-Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Education Summit, scheduled for February 28th at Los Angeles Valley College, underscores this need by uniting students, educators, and industry professionals to connect education with career opportunities. Afterschool programs, like those supported by Student Hires and Afterschool.org, are key players in this effort, offering hands-on learning experiences that spark interest and build vital skills. This article highlights why students must develop AI and cybersecurity abilities and shares actionable steps to secure internships and apprenticeships in these thriving fields.

Why AI and Cybersecurity Matter for Students

Technology is advancing at a remarkable rate. AI drives innovations like smart assistants and automated systems, while cybersecurity protects our increasingly connected society from threats. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 32% rise in cybersecurity jobs by 2032, far outpacing most industries, fueled by growing cyber risks and AI’s expanding role. Similarly, the World Economic Forum estimates AI will generate 97 million new positions by 2025, reflecting its vast influence.

For young learners, early engagement with these fields offers significant advantages. Skills like programming, data interpretation, and threat analysis, paired with abilities such as creative problem-solving and flexibility, prepare students for a technology-centered economy. Beyond career benefits, understanding AI and cybersecurity enhances digital awareness, an invaluable asset in a time of rising online dangers. Afterschool programs provide an ideal setting to introduce these topics, blending exploration with practical application outside the standard school day.

A recent press release from Afterschool.org, titled "Linking Afterschool Programs to the Future of AI-Cybersecurity: A Collaborative Approach," emphasizes the power of extracurricular learning. Initiatives backed by Student Hires and Afterschool.org bring AI and cybersecurity to life through interactive sessions, coding challenges, and expert guidance. Students might experiment with AI tools to identify email scams or practice defending a virtual network, activities that ignite enthusiasm while laying a strong foundation.

How Afterschool Programs Build Future-Ready Skills

These programs also cultivate broader competencies. Group projects, such as building a basic AI model or resolving a simulated security issue, sharpen collaboration and analytical thinking. Mastery of digital tools, crucial for both disciplines, grows as students work with platforms like Scratch or cybersecurity simulators. By aligning with the Summit’s emphasis on diverse learning paths, afterschool efforts ready students for further studies or direct entry into the workforce.

Steps to Land Internships and Apprenticeships

Developing skills is only half the battle. Students need pathways to apply those learned skills in a professional setting. Internships and apprenticeships in AI and cybersecurity provide practical exposure, networking opportunities, and a standout resume. Here are tailored strategies, enhanced by afterschool resources and the upcoming AI and Cybersecurity Summit:

1. Tap Into Mentorship Opportunities
   • Afterschool programs often link students with mentors, tech professionals or peers, who can offer career advice and internship leads. Contact Student Hires or Afterschool.org staff to find a mentor who can suggest starter certifications (like CompTIA IT Fundamentals) or connect you with local companies.
2. Create a Showcase of Work
   • Hands-on projects impress employers. Use afterschool time to develop examples, such as a simple AI game or a network security plan. Share these on a site like GitLab and present them at job fairs or interviews to highlight your drive and abilities. Bonus points if you can display your showcase on a professional website of your own.
3. Earn Beginner Certifications
   • Certifications demonstrate readiness. Options like Microsoft’s Technology Associate or the Cybersecurity First Responder certification are approachable and often complement afterschool lessons. They can open doors to internships, even for novices.
4. Engage at Career Events
   • The 2025 Summit features sessions like “How to Land a Job in IT-Cybersecurity-AI” and a career fair, offering direct employer access. Craft a brief pitch (e.g., “I’m a student eager to explore AI, with skills in JavaScript from my afterschool club”) and bring tailored resumes to stand out.
5. Seek Out Apprenticeship Options
   • California promotes youth apprenticeships through efforts like those supported by Student Hires. Look into apprenticeship programs that may be already integrated into your school or college. There are apprenticeship programs in a range of fields and occupation pathways, creating plenty of opportunities for you to get your foot in the door. Local schools or afterschool leaders can point you to relevant opportunities.
6. Build Connections Online and In-Person
   • Join platforms like X or Discord tech groups to interact with experts and discover openings. Locally, participate in tech meetups or workshops, often facilitated by afterschool partners like the California Cybersecurity Task Force, a Summit collaborator. Student Hires also hosts our own discord server to convene students and collaborators!

Breaking Down Barriers

Accessing these opportunities can be challenging, particularly for students from lower-income areas. Afterschool programs address this by providing affordable resources, partnering with institutions like Los Angeles Valley College, and creating a welcoming space to grow. Student Hires further supports this by offering paid roles within education and a variety of fields, letting students earn as they learn. The Summit’s career fair amplifies these efforts, linking students to employers directly.

A Vision for Impact

The demand for AI and cybersecurity talent is surging, with roles offering starting salaries often above $90,000. Students who gain these skills today will not only secure promising careers but also help protect society from digital threats. Afterschool programs, powered by organizations like Student Hires, are the starting point, turning interest into expertise and ambition into achievement.

Take Action at the 2025 California AI-Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Education Summit

Don’t miss the 2025 California AI-Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Education Summit on February 28th at Los Angeles Valley College. This event is your gateway to a tech future, offering student-focused sessions and networking. Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned professional, this is the event to connect, engage, and further develop your AI and cybersecurity knowledge.

To attend the summit and explore the Career, Internship, and Apprenticeship Fair for Students, where you can meet hiring managers and jumpstart your path in AI and cybersecurity: Registration Link