Ashland High School junior Coner Bixler set his sights on a career in cybersecurity as early as the eighth grade. His passion for information technology took root during his freshman year when he enrolled in Introduction to Information Technology at Ashland High School. By his junior year, Bixler had advanced his commitment to the field by joining the Cybersecurity & Networking program at the Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center.
In January 2025, the FBI’s Future Agents in Training (FAIT) Academy opened applications for its competitive four-day program, a hands-on introduction to the work of the FBI. According to the 2024 Northern Ohio FAIT recap, more than 200 students applied for only 40 available spots. Participants are introduced to the FBI's mission, including criminal investigations and cyber threat response. Through sessions led by special agents, intelligence analysts, and professional staff, students learn investigative tactics such as evidence collection and witness interviews.
Encouraged by his instructor, Mr. TJ Houston, Bixler applied to the program. Applicants were required to be high school juniors or seniors in good academic standing and submit a 500-word essay on a personal accomplishment or event that led to growth and a deeper understanding of themselves or others. Selections were made anonymously based on the submitted essays.
In March, Bixler received word of his acceptance becoming the first student from Ashland County to be selected for the FAIT Academy. He will attend the program at the Cleveland FBI Field Office, held June 9–12, 2025.
Bixler’s momentum didn’t stop there. During the final nine weeks of the school year, Mr. Houston informed him of a local internship opportunity through the Ohio High School Technology Internship Program, a workforce initiative by the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation. A full-time summer IT Helpdesk Intern position was open, and Bixler applied, confident that his coursework Fundamentals in Operating Systems, Cybersecurity, and Personal Computers with his certifications (Google IT Support, Acer Chromebook Technician, and CompTIA Tech+), made him a strong candidate.
His instincts proved right. Bixler was selected for the position and will serve as the IT Helpdesk Intern at University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center this summer.
"Coner exemplifies what it means to make the most of an opportunity. During my time here, he is the first student to apply for this experience and he continues to take advantage of every resource and opportunity available to him. His dedication and initiative set a powerful example for others,” said Houston.