Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: Astrion Partners with High School’s Corporate Work Study Program

On Wednesdays and Thursdays, high school students Jason and Alberto step into professional roles alongside contracts reviews and cybersecurity operations at Astrion

They arrive ready to contribute, learning workplace expectations, supporting real projects, and gaining firsthand experience in how professional teams operate. The work is meaningful, the standards are high, and the exposure is shaping how they think about their futures.

Through its partnership with Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School, Astrion participates in the Corporate Work Study Program; an initiative designed to give students real-world experience while building a stronger future workforce pipeline.

This partnership is real work experience, helping students understand the value of professional responsibility while building skills they will carry into college and their careers.

In defense and national security, workforce readiness isn’t accidental. It’s built deliberately through training, discipline, and mentorship.

Fresh Eyes on Cybersecurity

On Wednesdays, Alberto supports weekly vulnerability management operations before transitioning into technical project work.

Currently, Alberto is developing a tool that converts firewall script data into structured tabular formats, enabling clearer site-based firewall rule comparisons. This work requires analytical thinking and precision. However, it improves how teams analyze and compare information.

The challenges are real and so are the rewards.

“Working at Astrion is challenging but impactful in a way that will stay with me for a long time.” Alberto said. “Sometimes the problems make you want to give up, but once you solve them, you grow from it and feel more confident tackling the next one.”

His supervisor, Senior Enterprise Infrastructure Engineer Jim Damm encourages research and independent thinking rather than just handing him solutions.

“Alberto approaches challenges without a ‘this is how we’ve always done it’ mindset. I have him research solutions instead of giving him the answers,” said Jim. He’s learned faster than I expected, which means the projects are becoming more complex.”

Experience builds confidence through challenges and develops critical thinking through real responsibility.

Teaching Through Trust: Contracts & Procurement

Every Thursday, Jason joins the Contracts and Procurement team for six hours of hands-on operational work. His responsibilities range from SharePoint updates and Costpoint system entries to internal reporting support and data realignment.

The work is structured, real, and essential to team efficiency.

His supervisor Carie Combs, Director of Procurement, quickly noticed a pattern: assess, clarify, execute.

“Jason assesses the task, seeks clarification, and executes,” Carie said. When given a defined deliverable with creative latitude, he thrives and the results are efficient and accurate. Programs like this remind us never to underestimate junior talent.”

The experience has strengthened Jason’s thoroughness and confidence.

“Through my time in the Contracting and Procurement departments, I’ve become more thorough in my work, both at Astrion and at school,” he reflects. “I’ve been shown nothing but generosity and encouragement, and I try to contribute to the office environment with positivity and efficiency.”

A Two-Way Investment

Defense readiness isn’t just about advanced systems, test and evaluation, cyber tools, or next-generation platforms. It’s also about people.

Programs like the Corporate Work Study Program are often viewed only as student opportunities, but they are also leadership development opportunities within the organization.

Supervisors refine how to clearly communicate expectations, adapt to evolving learning styles, balance structure with autonomy and provide feedback that builds capability.

At the same time, students gain exposure to accountability, professional collaboration, and the realities of corporate environments including complex projects and the occasional long meeting.

The impact is mutual, the growth is shared, and the mission benefits- both today and tomorrow.