Workforce Training

Information Technology Certifications

Sentinel Cybersecurity Bootcamp

If you are eager to advance in the high-demand fields of cybersecurity and advanced networking, Sentinel is your gateway to success. The 33-week cybersecurity bootcamp will equip you with the skills and support you need to thrive in a competitive job market.

Sentinel is funded through the U.S. National Science Foundation and has been developed in collaboration with IBM, NetApp, NC TECH and other industry partners.

The bootcamp provides the following benefits for students:

  • Comprehensive training: Gain hands-on experience in advanced IT skills that employers want and earn industry credentials to demonstrate your competency.
  • A female Wake Tech student peeks through an array of computer servers.
  • A group of Wake Tech students gather around a computer to collaborate on a Cloud Infrastructure assignment.
  • A female Wake Tech student types commands into a computer server.
  • Career support: Learn from industry mentors, participate in industry site visits and receive assistance with certification tests and job placement.
  • Learn and earn: Get paid $15 an hour while attending classes and participating in internships.
  • Engaged community: Be part of a cohort of peers in a supportive environment and connect with further study in Wake Tech degree programs, such as Cybersecurity, Network Management or Cloud Infrastructure. Certifications earned through Sentinel can be used for college credit.
  • Other benefits: Receive a laptop, breakfast on class days and other supports to help you complete the program.

Eligibility 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. Other eligibility requirements are as follows:

  • Wake County resident
  • At least 18 years old
  • Legally able to work in the U.S.
  • Able to enroll as a Wake Tech Workforce Development student
  • Possess strong organizational and communication skills and the ability to meet deadlines
  • Don't hold a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering or other related field
  • Completed a course of study or certification within the past three years that covers hardware, software, networking, operating systems and security. Acceptable certifications and aligned courses include CompTIA IT Fundamentals+, CompTIA A+, Google IT Support Technician, North Carolina Community College courses CTS-120 and CTS-220, Wake Tech Workforce Development IT Support Technician course or similar programs. A transcript, certificate of completion or valid certificate must be submitted as part of the application.
  • Able to work 15 hours per week during courses and up to 17.5 hours per week during internship placements
  • Agree to participate in an evaluation study related to the NSF cooperative agreement

For more information, email [email protected].

National Science Foundation logoThis material is based upon work supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies program, Beginnings: SENTINEL, DUE-2347018.

The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science Foundation.