Student sensation

Evam Huff St. Petersburg College Graduate

Stacking credentials to success

by St. Petersburg College Staff

Our student highlight this month is Evan Huff, a St. Petersburg College graduate. Evan started taking classes at St. Petersburg College as a Dual Enrollment student at the age of 14. Now 18, he has an Associate in Arts degree in his pocket, along with some industry certifications and a clear vision for his career future.

Along with his degree, Evan took two cybersecurity courses, which prepared him to take the exam for the CompTIA Security+ certification. “SPC’s classes gave me the knowledge, but they also taught me how the test works so that I knew what to expect going in,” Huff said. “And it didn’t cost me anything – everyone who successfully completes the coursework gets a voucher that pays for the exam.”

Evan is proud to have earned that certification at such a young age. “To be certified at 18 is great because there are people earning that certification who have been working in the field for years with more experience than I have, but I could still pass.” Evan said the experience at SPC that made the biggest impression was the opportunity to participate in the National Cyber League (NCL), a performance-based, learning-centered collegiate cybersecurity competition. “I heard about it at SPC and thought it sounded cool,” Evan said. “That experience ignited my passion for cybersecurity – I have never been more inspired by anything. It exposed me to how beautiful that world is. I enjoy problem-solving and finding solutions, and you can apply these skills to everything you do – not just cybersecurity.” Last Fall, Evan began work on a bachelor’s degree in Community-Engaged Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida, where he entered as a junior. He ultimately hopes to land a job with the Department of Defense.

ICYMI: In March, Governor Ron DeSantis Announced $20 Million to Create Cybersecurity and Information Technology Workforce Education Opportunities. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/37InsPf