CITE KITT Program
The next Spring cohort for KITT Program starts accepting applications on January 30th.
Launched in 2023, the K-12 IT Technician Program, has become a key component of CITE's Education Pathway Programs. Designed for early career growth, this program covers IT basics, K-12 education foundations, and career development support. Completion of all class meetings, self-guided content, and required assignments will provide a certification, certificate, and badge. The KITT certification will be renewable upon completion of continuing education units (CEUs).
We asked some graduates who recently went through the KITT Program to share on their experiences:
Brenden Embuido
Technology Support Specialist
O’Farrell Charter School
What was the single most useful thing you learned in the program?
The most valuable part of the program was hearing firsthand experiences from other IT technicians working in K-12 environments. Gaining insights into how they approach challenges, along with the practical tips and troubleshooting methods they shared, was incredibly useful. This exchange of ideas helped me develop more effective troubleshooting strategies and broadened my understanding of best practices specific to K-12 IT.
What was your favorite class activity or homework assignment and why?
My favorite activity was definitely the customer service roleplay. It allowed us to simulate real-world technician issues using AI, which made for a realistic and engaging experience. The roleplay challenged us to think on our feet, practice our troubleshooting skills, and share our approaches with one another. It was a fun and exciting way to combine technical problem-solving with customer service skills—both essential in IT support roles.
Who do you think would benefit from this program most?
This program is ideal for both entry-level IT technicians and those looking to advance to higher positions in the field. For entry-level technicians, it offers foundational skills and practical insights that can help build confidence and efficiency in handling common challenges. For those aiming to move up, the program provides valuable exposure to advanced troubleshooting techniques, customer service strategies, and a deeper understanding of the K-12 IT environment, helping them take on more complex roles and responsibilities. It’s a great steppingstone for anyone looking to grow in their IT career.
Kimmy Dao
Administrative Assistant
Irvine Unified School District
What was the single most useful thing you learned in the program?
I think for me, it was learning about the ITIL Service Lifecycle. If it weren’t for this class, I honestly probably would have never come across this term ever. It provided great insight to how projects should flow and made me reflect on projects in past positions that weren’t related to IT but still followed the same structure.
What was your favorite class activity or homework assignment and why?
My favorite activity in class was participating in the simulations related to the ITIL Lifecycle. Not being an actual IT Technician, this allowed me to pick the brains of those who have been in the field for some time and see how the process can unfold when running into unforeseen circumstances and allowed me to put myself in their shoes to come up with solutions.
Anything else you want to share about why people should consider signing up for the program?
For me, I wanted this class to act as a steppingstone to the life of a K-12 IT Technician. As an Administrative Assistant for the IT Department and being heavily involved with our Help Desk, I was just curious about how I could support our PC Techs more efficiently. I think for anyone like myself, who is unsure about the possibilities within IT, this class provides a general overview of what life in IT can entail. Plus, it can open a lot of doors to meet others that may or may not be in the same boat as you. It’s always nice to have a community with other outside of work.
For more information about the KITT Program and to learn how to apply, visit: https://www.cite.org/kitt.