By: Kathryn Hodgins, Content and Public Relations Specialist, Florida Virtual School 

After hearing about the positive experience family friends had with Florida Virtual School (FLVS), 12th grade student Emma Britt and her family looked into the school and were amazed at the variety of courses offered.  

The biggest draw for Emma? The ability to explore her interests in cybersecurity and computer science through FLVS Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses. For her seventh grade year, Emma and her family decided to transition from her traditional brick-and-mortar school to the FLVS full-time option so she could dive deeper into her passion for technology. Now, Emma isn’t just taking classes - she’s building a future in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), mastering coding languages, earning industry certifications, and preparing for an exciting career in the tech industry. 

Diving into the digital world

Since joining Florida Virtual School, Emma has taken seven computer science and cybersecurity-based courses, including Cybersecurity Essentials, Procedural Programming, and Digital Information Technology.  

“I really like programming and cybersecurity because when I am trying to build something, they both come into play, and it is important to know both,” said Britt. 

One of her favorite things about FLVS is the small class size of her CTE courses because she can connect with teachers more often. 

“I love the one-on-one support that FLVS teachers offer students,” she shared. One standout mentor is Mr. Jason Torres, her Procedural Programming teacher. “He’s such a fun teacher and really makes the lessons engaging,” said Britt.

Coding her way to success

As a member of the National Honor Society, Emma has also completed Advanced Placement computer science courses, earning college credit before even setting foot on a college campus. 

“I’m excited that taking the AP courses and exams will help me complete my general education requirements sooner so I can focus on courses in my major,” she explained. 

Last summer, Emma participated in a five-week Computer Engineering Summer Learning Camp, diving into hands-on projects with Arduino kits, an open-source electronics platform that includes the Arduino board, a breadboard, LEDs, resistors, sensors, motors, jumper wires, among other components, to learn about electronics and programming. By the end of the program, Emma and her fellow campers earned the Arduino Certification in Electronics and Physical Computing.

Future-ready with industry certifications

Plus, that isn’t the only industry certification Emma is working toward. As she finishes her senior year, she will sit for three different certifications through  FLVS CTE courses: the Python Coding Specialist and the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) Security+ certifications. 

“Industry certifications will give me a solid foundation to start my major in college and also give me such a boost in my future career in cybersecurity and computer science,” said Emma. 

More than just tech

When she isn’t busy programming, Emma is giving back. She has enjoyed volunteering at a hospice thrift store and with Skill Samurai, where she taught STEM and robotics to younger children and mentored future innovators.  

As a Florida Virtual High School senior (go firebirds!), Emma is eagerly counting down the days to graduation on May 27. She’s set her sights on majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and with everything she’s accomplished at FLVS, she’s more than ready for the challenge. 

Get career-ready this CTE Month

Throughout February, FLVS is celebrating CTE Month with virtual workshops focused on must-have career skills, such as resume writing, interview skills, and personal finance – all leading up to our virtual Career Fair and Expo on Feb. 27 from noon until 4 p.m. Students can meet with industry professionals, explore career paths, and start shaping their future. To learn more about the career workshops and Career Fair and Expo, visit our CTE Month webpage.