Learn Cyber Defense and Web Design Through New Ankeny High School Club

Story Provided by Ankeny School District

Ankeny High School is now offering a club that will provide students the opportunity to learn various types of computer programming and cyber-defense skills.

Students will be able to investigate many types of programming, such as web design and defending a network, in a variety of coding languages. They will have the opportunity to compete in activities based upon their interests, which can include anything from music and fashion to entertainment and gaming.

Karen O’Loughlin, Ankeny High School mathematics and programming instructor, said the benefits to joining such a club include gaining hands-on experience that is different from the classroom, participating in competitions, listening to guest speakers and working with various professionals, all while working on critical-reasoning and problem-solving.

Because there is a strong need in the Des Moines area for programmers, there is also a growing need for clubs of this kind.

“If we want to be competitive in the global marketplace we have to get our kids out there and we have to encourage them,” O’Loughlin said.

Systems analysts, database analysts, and computer systems engineers are predicted to be some of the fastest-growing job categories in the year 2016. The current number of computer science graduates from two-year and four-year schools will fall well below the market demands if no recruiting occurs. 

Ankeny expects to participate in school sponsored events including the American Computer Science League Competition, which is a year-long event that consists of four tests that students study and prepare for throughout the year, and the IT Olympics, sponsored by HyperStream and Iowa State University, which features game programming and cyber defense tactics.

Students will also attend the DigiGirlz Technology Event, a conference in Des Moines that teaches young women about the importance of technology and the need for women in technology-related careers.

“My mission is to offer them as many opportunities as I can in a positive environment so they are better prepared to get their foot in the door somewhere,” said O’Loughlin.

To help in funding the club, Ankeny High School has applied for grants, such as the Governor’s Scale-Up STEM grant, that will be of monetary and hardware support. Ankeny High School is also asking parents and community members for support. Volunteers and mentors are needed to teach and counsel students as they work, as well as refurbished computers for students to help practice their cyber defense tactics.

The HyperStream Tech Club is available to 10th-12th graders at AHS and no prior experience in computer programming is necessary.

What is HyperStream?

HyperStream Tech Club is one of the 12 focus areas for Governor Branstad STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) initiatives. It combines schools with skilled specialists to learn about the extent of technology opportunities in a club atmosphere.

HyperStream is a career awareness program highlighting the importance of technology in a developing world.

The club is a way for students to learn about technology through hands-on experience. Students involved in the club will gain real-world experience, while learning directly from professionals in the fields of business and technology. They may also get opportunities for various networking and scholarships through interning and job shadowing.

The club is a great way to teach students how technology impacts their interests and future careers, and is a key initiative of developing Iowa’s future workforce.

For more information about the club and how you can get involved, contact Karen Oloughlin at karen.oloughlin@ankenyschools.org. To learn more about the Scale Up grants visit http://www.iowastem.gov/stem-scale-programs-2012-2013.