Wake Technical Community College is seeking motivated applicants to join the

SENTINEL

Program, a paid experiential learning opportunity in cybersecurity, advanced networking, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Selected students will participate as part-time, temporary interns in a structured 33-week training bootcamp that combines classroom learning, professional mentoring, and a paid internship with an industry partner. Students will train toward industry-recognized certifications in networking, cybersecurity, and IoT while also gaining real-world experience through an internship placement. Each participant will create a personal training and career development plan shaped by coursework, mentorship, and on-the-job learning. Program success will be measured through consistent attendance, growth in technical proficiency, active participation in mentoring and career services activities, and successful completion of both the training and internship components. The 2025-2027 SENTINEL cohort will begin on November 16, 2026 , and run through the end of July 2027. Training sessions are held Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon) at the Southern Wake Campus. Internship placements may be on-site or virtual and may require flexible scheduling. Admission into the program will take place through a randomized lottery of all qualified applicants. Chosen candidates must complete an onboarding process prior to enrollment in the program. Alternates will be selected in case chosen applicants do not successfully complete the onboarding process. Chosen applicants and alternates will be subject to a background check prior to being hired

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to manage tasks effectively and meet deadlines Strong written and verbal communication skills Fundamental IT knowledge as demonstrated by successfully completing a course of study, or certification, aligned to the learning outcomes of CompTIA IT Fundamentals+, CompTIA A+, Google IT Support Technician, Wake Tech courses such as

CTI 110, CTI 120, CTS-120, CTS-220, NOS

110 and/or Wake Tech IT Support Technician workforce continuing education course.

Minimum requirements:

The National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF REU) has established criteria for this program. Participants must be U.S. Citizens, permanent residents, or U.S. Nationals Must be a resident of Wake County. Eligible to enroll as a Wake Tech Workforce Continuing Education student. At least 18 years old. May not hold a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Science, or related field. All required prerequisite certification/coursework must have been taken in the past three years . Applicants must provide proof of prior IT training or certification aligned with the programs learning outcomes. Examples include but are not limited to: CompTIA IT Fundamentals+, CompTIA A+, Google IT Support Technician, Wake Tech courses

CIT 110, CIT

120, CTS-120 and

CTS-220, NOS 110

; Wake Tech IT Support Technician continuing education course. These are examples; other relevant IT certifications or training will also be considered if aligned with the program's learning objectives. Work experience may not be substituted. Proof of completion (certificate, transcript or other documentation) must be uploaded with the applications. Applications submitted without proof may not be considered. Able to work 15 hours per week during courses and up to 17.5 hours per week during internship placements. Agree to be a part of the evaluation study related to the NSF grant. This program is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation Advanced Technical Education grant program,

Beginnings:

SEcurity and Networking Training through Inclusive, Novel, and Experiential Learning (SENTINEL), DUE-2347018.