Ninth and 10th grade students in Marion County recently discovered career opportunities in broadband, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence at the Broadband Summit — a new initiative launched through the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative K-12 Speakers Bureau and funded by the West Virginia Office of Broadband.
The Broadband Summit engaged students from East Fairmont, Fairmont Senior and North Marion high schools with live demonstrations, interactive discussions hosted by industry leaders and career spotlights.
The Summit comes as West Virginia currently ranks 47th in broadband connectivity in the United States, with 30% of West Virginians unable to access high-speed internet. The critical need for greater access is prompting conversations about the future of digital connectivity across the state.
Donna Heston, superintendent of Marion County Schools, emphasized the importance of introducing careers in broadband, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to students early.
“Perhaps the greatest responsibility we have is to engage students in making informed decisions about their future and the vast opportunities before them in West Virginia,” Heston said. “In bringing a panel before them who are not only experts in the field but have such an ability to motivate students and speak to the practical application of what they are learning in our classrooms — particularly in math, science and technology — it is a testament to the great work and energy of the Broadband Summit.”
During the presentation, students shared what they think broadband means, tested their knowledge of digital connectivity with interactive polls and completed a cryptography, encryption and cybersecurity exercise with the WVU STEAM Technical Assistance Center.
A fireside chat gave students the opportunity to ask their pressing questions about broadband to the panel. Many students inquired about careers in broadband and how to get started, even while still in high school.
Panelists included:
Bill Bissett, chairman of the West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council and president of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association.
William Walker, executive director of the National Cyber Defense Center and senior advisor for national security and cyberspace programs at WVU.
Melissa O’Brien, external affairs manager for Citynet.
Luke Peters, broadband program manager for the West Virginia Department of Economic Development.
Devon McDaniel, technical/grant writer for Broadband Workforce Development.
Annie Stroud, broadband program director for Generation WV.
“We are proud to bring the conversations around broadband access, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to young learners as they look ahead to the opportunities in West Virginia that await them after graduation,” said Donna Hoylman Peduto, executive director of the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative. “One conversation can change the trajectory of their career.”
The Broadband Summit was the first of its kind for high school students in West Virginia. Plans to bring the Summit to students in other counties are underway.