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Runway 606 - Cybersecurity Pathway

Feb 10, 2025

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Runway 606, provided by the Illinois Institute of Technology, is a unique and innovative program designed to offer high school students from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) an accelerated pathway to high-demand careers. The program's main objective is to reduce barriers to higher education and provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in STEM and other in-demand fields. Additionally, the program aims to address critical gaps in math and science preparation and foster college readiness. As part of the core curriculum, the program currently offers a cybersecurity degree pathway, preparing students for a wide range of careers in this high-demand field. Students partake in City Colleges of Chicago courses during their junior and senior years of high school, potentially earning their associate's degree upon high school graduation. The pathway also provides access to educational resources, mentoring, tutoring, and experiential learning opportunities. This unique approach allows students to potentially transition from high school to a master's degree in less time than traditional routes, potentially reducing the time by two or more years. The program is delivered as a dual enrollment pathway, allowing students to take college-level courses while still in high school. The program is designed for juniors and seniors in any CPS school who meet the relevant eligibility criteria. It is not specified whether the program is delivered online, in-person, or in a hybrid format. The Runway 606 program launched as a pilot in 2023, and by fall 2024, it started accepting eligible juniors and seniors from any CPS school. Since the program is ongoing, it's expected that students will continue to be accepted into the program in the future. Upon completion of the program, students can expect to have their associate's degree and be well-prepared for careers in cybersecurity or other high-demand STEM fields. They will also have gained valuable professional experience and certifications to build their resumes and increase their employability.

written by

Rishab Jain

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