New AP Cybersecurity Class Prepares Students For Success In Digital Economy

AP Cybersecurity, a new Advanced Placement course, equips students with hands-on technical skills, problem-solving strategies, and a strong foundation in digital safety and network security.

New AP Cybersecurity Class Prepares Students For Success In Digital Economy

As technology continues to shape how we learn, work, and communicate, cybersecurity knowledge is becoming an essential skill for success. Boston Public Schools (BPS) is helping students prepare for that future through AP Cybersecurity, a new Advanced Placement course offered at the Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers (EMK) and the John D. O’Bryant School of Math and Science.

Part of College Board's AP Career Kickstart initiative, AP Cybersecurity combines rigorous, college-level learning with practical skills that can open doors to higher education and future careers. Through hands-on, scenario-based activities, students explore digital safety, network security, and strategies for addressing real-world cybersecurity challenges.

Students who earn a qualifying score on the AP exam are eligible to receive college credit and an employer-endorsed credential, giving them a head start as they explore postsecondary education and career options. They also develop transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy, that can benefit them across industries.

At EMK, where many students prepare for careers in healthcare, cybersecurity has a direct connection to protecting patients and sensitive information.

“For these particular students who are going into the healthcare field, it’s really important in order for them to safeguard their future patients,” said AP Cybersecurity teacher Roger Rios.

Students recognize that cybersecurity knowledge benefits everyone, not just those pursuing technology careers.

“It’s important for everyone to know (cybersecurity) so that they could pass it on to family members because they could target anyone,” said AP Cybersecurity student Branyelis Ramirez.

Jamilson Mendes, an AP Cybersecurity student at the O’Bryant, agreed, noting that “almost everybody has access to technology and the risks that technology comes with (it).”

By sharing what they learn, students can help family members and community members recognize online threats and protect their personal information. The course empowers students to become informed digital citizens while exploring skills that may lead to future opportunities in technology, healthcare, business, and other fields.

AP Cybersecurity also reflects BPS’s commitment to expanding access to challenging coursework. According to the College Board’s 2026 AP Score Reports, 4,069 BPS students took 7,277 AP exams this year, with 64 percent earning qualifying scores of 3 or higher. Since 2022, the number of qualifying scores has increased increased from 50% to 65%.

Through AP Cybersecurity, BPS is connecting classroom learning to real-world needs, helping students build confidence, protect their communities, and prepare for success in college, careers, and an increasingly digital world.

During Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, BPS is also reinforcing digital safety districtwide through student password resets and mandatory cybersecurity training for staff and faculty.

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