Program Instructor:
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Kristen WilsonPhone Number: (802) 885-8318Email:
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Information Technology & Cybersecurity Programs
Build your future in technology with RVTC's online and in-person programs. Whether you're interested in cybersecurity, web development, or computer systems, this program provides professional equipment, industry certifications, and college credits.
Two flexible pathways:
- Cybersecurity (Online Only) - 7:45 AM to 9:45 AM
Focus: CompTIA A+ Core 1 certification and computer systems - Information Technology (Online & In-Person) - 11:40 AM to 1:40 PM
Focus: Web development and CompTIA Tech+ certification
✓ All equipment provided FREE for online students: Dell Pro 16 Laptop, wireless mouse, headset, Adobe Creative Suite
✓ Earn college credits through River Valley Community College & Champlain College
✓ No prior experience required - Just curiosity and willingness to learn!
Am I Eligible?
Open to adults and students in grades 10, 11, and 12. No prior computer experience required.
The River Valley Technical Center enrolls students from:
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Bellows Falls Union High School
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Expeditionary School at Black River
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Green Mountain Union High School
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Fall Mountain Regional High School
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Springfield High School
Eligible High Schools:
Students from the following high schools may apply to RVTC's Cybersecurity and Information Technology online programs:
Central Vermont Area:
- Cabot School
- Harwood Union High School
- Montpelier High School
- Spaulding High School
- Twinfield Union School
- U-32 High School
Franklin County Area:
- BFA Fairfax
- Enosburg Falls High School
- Missisquoi Valley Union High School
- Richford High School
St. Albans Area:
- BFA St. Albans
- Bellows Free Academy
Northeast Kingdom:
- Lyndon Institute
- St. Johnsbury Academy
Addison County:
- Middlebury Union High School
- Mount Abraham Union High School
- Vergennes Union High School
Orange/Washington County:
- Randolph Union High School
- Chelsea Public School
- Tunbridge Public School
- Williamstown Middle/High School
- Northfield High School
Rutland Area:
- Rutland High School
- Mill River Union High School
- Fair Haven Union High School
- Poultney High School
- Proctor High School
Bennington Area:
- Mount Anthony Union High School
- Arlington Memorial High School
- Burr and Burton Academy
Windham County:
- Brattleboro Union High School
- Leland & Gray Union High School
- Twin Valley Middle/High School
- Bellows Falls Union High School
Not on the list? Students from schools not listed may still apply if they have been rejected from or waitlisted for their local CTE program's IT offerings.
What Will I Learn?
🔒 Cybersecurity (Online Only)
Build foundational skills in computer hardware, software, security, networking, and customer service. Work toward the CompTIA A+ Core 1 certification, an industry-standard credential for entry-level IT professionals.
What You'll Do:
- Build and configure complete computer systems
- Learn hardware troubleshooting and repair
- Understand operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Practice network security fundamentals
- Work with professional tools through virtual environments
- Earn industry-recognized certifications
Optional CyberStart Program: Advanced students in 11th-12th grade can pursue a 3-course sequence through Champlain College for deeper cybersecurity training.
🌐 Information Technology (Online & In-Person)
Focus on web development, design, and foundational IT skills. Choose online or in-person learning. Earn CompTIA Tech+ and Site Development Associate certifications while building real websites for actual clients.
What You'll Do:
- Write code with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Design websites using Visual Studio Code and professional tools
- Work with real clients to create and update websites
- Design and fabricate projects using 3D printers and laser cutters
- Learn computer hardware and software systems
- Compete in FBLA competitions at local, state, and national levels
Course Overview / Program of Studies
What Equipment Do I Get?
For Online Students (FREE loan):
- Dell Pro 16 Laptop (pre-loaded with all software)
- Wireless Mouse
- Headset for clear communication
- Additional monitor (upon request)
- Software: Adobe Creative Suite, VirtualBox, web browsers, development tools
*Equipment returned at the end of the program
For In-Person IT Students:
- Desktop computers with professional software
- Access to 3D printers
- Access to laser cutters
- Professional workspace in RVTC's IT lab
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior computer experience?
No. Basic keyboarding skills are recommended, but no programming or technical experience is required. These programs meet you where you are.
Do I have to pay for the laptop and equipment?
No. All equipment is provided on loan at no cost. You receive a professional laptop, mouse, headset, and all necessary software. Just return it at the end of the program.
Will this fit into my schedule?
Yes. Both programs run 2 hours per day (half-day). Cybersecurity: 7:45-9:45 AM | IT: 11:40 AM-1:40 PM. Class times are flexible based on your district's schedule. You can still participate in sports, clubs, and activities at your home school.
Can online students learn from anywhere?
Yes. The online format allows you to learn from home, school, or anywhere with reliable internet.
How do I apply?
Check the eligible schools list above to confirm your school is included, then click "Apply Now."
What Can I Do After Graduation?
Career Opportunities
Entry-Level Careers with CompTIA A+ Core 1 (Cybersecurity Program)
Tech Support & Help Desk Roles:
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Help Desk Technician - $52,000-$71,000/year
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IT Support Specialist - $60,000-$75,000/year
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Desktop Support Technician - $55,000-$70,000/year
Hardware & Systems Roles:
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Computer Technician - $45,000-$65,000/year
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Field Service Technician - $50,000-$75,000/year
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Junior Systems Administrator - $60,000-$80,000/year
Growing Into Cybersecurity:
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Network Support Specialist - $55,000-$78,000/year
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Information Security Analyst (with additional experience) - $75,000-$110,000/year
Entry-Level Careers with CompTIA Tech+ & Web Development (IT Program)
Web Development & Design:
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Website Developer - $55,000-$85,000/year
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Junior Web Developer - $50,000-$75,000/year
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Front-End Developer - $60,000-$90,000/year
Technical & Support Roles:
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IT Support Specialist - $60,000-$75,000/year
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Technical Support Specialist - $50,000-$70,000/year
Creative & Production:
- Digital Media Producer - $50,000-$75,000/year
Advanced Career Pathways (With Additional Experience/Education)
Cybersecurity Specializations:
- Cybersecurity Analyst - $85,000-$125,000/year
- Security Engineer - $95,000-$140,000/year
- Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker) - $90,000-$135,000/year
- Digital Forensics Examiner - $75,000-$110,000/year
- Security Architect - $120,000-$175,000/year
IT & Systems Roles:
- Network Administrator - $70,000-$95,000/year
- Systems Administrator - $75,000-$105,000/year
- Cloud Solutions Architect - $110,000-$160,000/year
- IT Manager - $95,000-$140,000/year
Development & Engineering:
- Software Developer - $80,000-$125,000/year
- Full-Stack Developer - $85,000-$130,000/year
- DevOps Engineer - $95,000-$145,000/year
- Game Developer - $70,000-$110,000/year
Post-Secondary Education Pathways
Associate Degree Programs (2 years)
- Associate of Science (A.S.) - Computer Technology
- Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) - Cybersecurity
- Associate of Science (A.S.) - Computer Software Engineering
- Associate of Science (A.S.) - Network Systems Administration
- Associate of Science (A.S.) - Web Development & Design
Certificate Programs (6 months - 1 year)
- Computer Networking Certificate
- Website Design & Development Certificate
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate
- IT Support Specialist Certificate
- Cloud Computing Certificate
Bachelor's Degree Programs (4 years)
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Cybersecurity
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Computer Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Computer Engineering Technology
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Software Engineering
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Network Security
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Web Development & Design
Advanced Certifications (Industry Recognized)
Build on your RVTC foundation with these professional certifications:
- CompTIA A+ Core 2 (complete your A+ certification)
- CompTIA Network+ (networking fundamentals)
- CompTIA Security+ (cybersecurity basics)
- CompTIA CySA+ (cybersecurity analyst)
- CompTIA PenTest+ (penetration testing)
- Cisco CCNA (network administration)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- CISSP (advanced security professional)
Real-World Impact
With your RVTC education, you'll be qualified to:
- Protect organizations from cyber threats
- Keep critical systems running smoothly
- Help people solve technology problems
- Build and design websites that businesses rely on
- Support healthcare systems that save lives
- Secure financial data for millions of customers
- Enable remote work and digital communication
You're not just getting a job - you're starting a career that matters.
Salary data sourced from Glassdoor, Indeed, Coursera, and CompTIA (2025-2026). Actual salaries vary by location, experience, and employer.
Student Organizations & Competitions
- FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) - Compete in cybersecurity and technology competitions at local, state, and national levels
- Hack Club - Collaborative coding and cybersecurity projects
- Additional technology-focused clubs as available
What Students & Parents Say
"Your courses have provided me with countless useful skills and has offered me a better understanding of the courses and paths I want to pursue in college. I also wanted to thank you for all the letters of recommendation and time given to work on scholarships as all the hard work has now payed off. I am excited to attend UVM this fall and wanted to thank you for all the support you have offered over the past two years.
— Elijah, RVTC Graduate
"Ms. Wilson, I wanted to extend a huge, big thank you for your tutelage of Logan. You made him realize that he could accomplish things if he put his mind to it. Through your teaching, he has thrived. That is the most important thing for him. I know he's going to miss the class. You have been that influence in his life that I don't think he'll ever forget.
You've touched your students' lives and have inspired them to be better. That is the mark of a great teacher. I'm so thankful that you were his teacher.
— Anne, Parent
Additional Resources & Information
Vermont CTE Program Critical Proficiencies:
Information Technology Proficiency Summary (PDF)
Program Advisory Members:
- Chris Maggiolo, Director of Development, Operations, & Finance - Black River Innovation Campus (BRIC)
- Ben McVety, STEAM - Black River Innovation Campus (BRIC)
- Springfield Library
- Springfield on the Move
- Karen Longo, Dragonfly Designs
- Taylor Drinker, Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce
Pre-Tech Foundations (Springfield High School Only)
Introduction To Information Technology
½ credit | Instructor: Ms. Wilson
Learn how to navigate today's digital landscape! Get to know a computer and how it works and take it apart. Create websites as a portfolio of your explorations in the field of information technology. Design in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and take your file straight to production on the 3D printer. Make graphic designs with our laser cutter. Learn Python and programming languages. Make video games. Investigate cybersecurity and work with microcontrollers like Raspberry Pi and Microbits.
Ready to Start Your Technology Journey?
Join RVTC's Information Technology or Cybersecurity program and build the skills that employers and colleges are looking for.
Questions? Contact Kristen Wilson at