FORT PIERCE — A $10,000 grant from Project Lead the Way has provided students at Clark Advanced Learning Center, an “A-rated” public, charter high school in Martin County, the opportunity to enhance their studies with an immersive experience in networking and cybersecurity. An initial cohort of eight Clark students recently completed the program, utilizing industry-standard tools such as Nmap, Nessus, the Metasploit Framework and Wireshark. The Project Lead the Way program is an example of the many unique experiences available to Clark students. The Project Lead the Way Computer Science program at Clark is also supported locally by local business partner Lockheed Martin.

“The PLTW Computer Science program engages students in interdisciplinary activities that build knowledge and skills in computer science, and empowers students as they develop essential skills such as problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration and perseverance,” shares Debra Kohuth, Principal of Clark Advanced Learning Center. “The courses arm students with in-demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they choose.”

The next Project Lead the Way Computer Science program runs from August through December 2022. Students must be enrolled in Clark Advanced Learning Center to participate. The deadline to apply to the charter high school is Feb. 28, 2022.

Students studying at Clark also can earn college credits for free through Dual Enrollment at Indian River State College. Through Dual Enrollment, Clark students typically complete a year of college by the time they graduate from the school with their high school diploma. This represents a savings of at least $3,000 at a public university and $20,000 at a private university. Highly motivated students may complete their Associate’s Degree while still in high school, ready to enter college as a junior.

The Clark Advanced Center is located at 2400 S.E. Salerno Road in Stuart. Information sessions for those wishing to apply for the 2022–2023 school year will take place on Feb. 2 and 3. For more information, call 772-419-5750 or visit www.clarkadvancedlearningcenter.org.

About the Clark Advanced Learning Center

Clark Advanced Learning Center — a public charter high school for sophomores, juniors, and seniors — is among the top-scoring Treasure Coast schools based on Florida’s school grading system and among the top 20 high schools in all of Florida. Clark has been designated a Grade “A” school by the State of Florida for 11 consecutive years and is recognized as a High-Performing Charter School and a School of Excellence by the Florida Department of Education. Conveniently located at the Chastain Campus of Indian River State College in Stuart, and organized in partnership with the Martin County School District, Clark students can take full advantage of the resources of a college campus and earn tuition-free college credits through dual enrollment at IRSC.