P-TECH rising freshmen attend APG technology showcase

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — Robotics, cybersecurity, coding language, night vision devices, and radars were just some of the topics explored by 35 rising freshmen in the Pathways in Technology Early College High School program during the annual P-TECH Summer Institute APG Technology Showcase Aug. 6, 2024.

The event featured demonstrations of state-of-the-art equipment used by Soldiers and Army Civilians, and a bus tour of the installation.

For many students, this was their first time seeing what is “behind the fence” at APG. Liz Miranda, the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command deputy to the commanding general, welcomed the students to the installation. Miranda shared that she was once in a similar position to them, as she started her government career as an accounting intern. She encouraged the students to get to know the technology showcase presenters by asking many questions.

“They all have a lot of great information and insight they can share with you,” Miranda said.

Developing the future workforce

Miranda, who has 30 years of government experience and 14 years at APG and, said she is incredibly proud of the P-TECH program because it will develop the future APG workforce.

“[This generation] will one day support the Soldiers the same way we are supporting the Soldiers today,” Miranda said.

CECOM Software Engineering Center Deputy Director Ronald “Boomer” Rizzo gave an overview of the technology the P-TECH students will see during the event and discussed his experience as an Army Civilian.

Rizzo also started his career as a Department of the Army intern, fresh out of college. He said one aspect of his career he has enjoyed immensely is traveling the world to places like Korea and Germany. He describes joining the federal government as “the best choice I ever made in my life.”

“There are a number of intangible benefits to being an Army Civilian,” he said.

The students also watched a video about the wide range of missions that happen on a diverse military installation, such as APG, and met with some of the mentors who will work with them throughout the school year.  They were then broken into smaller groups to attend the technology showcase presentations.

Organizations participating in the demonstrations included CECOM SEC; CECOM Integrated Logistics Support Center; Aberdeen Test Center; Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense; and the N-STEP Robotics Team.

“There is a job here for everybody at [APG],” said P-TECH Coordinator Casi Boyer, CECOM G1.

Information Technology Specialist Josh Pedrero, with CECOM SEC’s Army Reprogramming Analysis Team, participated in a demonstration showing how his team gets mission-essential software products to the field as quickly as possible using threat identification and analysis. Pedrero said he hopes the students now have a better understanding of the Army’s broad mission.

Student’s reactions

Several students said they were impressed with the state-of-the-art technology used by the Soldiers. P-TECH student Lannera White described the technology showcase as “amazing.”

“I didn’t know much about the Army or the tools they use to protect the Soldiers until today,” she said.

P-TECH student Chase Brown said he enjoyed seeing the night vision technology and is grateful to have the opportunity to come on post and learn directly from Army Civilians about cybersecurity.

“I was already thinking about going into cybersecurity, and I think the simulation they had strengthened my plans,” he said.

 About the P-TECH program

The P-TECH program combines the best elements of high school, college, and work-based learning. Students are immersed in high school and college courses while working in the field of computer information systems or cybersecurity. The program empowers students to pursue advanced education and to be financially successful in a global economy. The program is offered at Joppatowne High School in partnership with Harford Community College and CECOM on APG, offering students paid internships and individualized mentorship throughout their educational journey. Any Harford County rising ninth grader can apply to the program.

For more photos, visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usagapg/albums/72177720319661257