IT Cyber Security Student Builds Dept-Free Path to a Career
For Ryan Earles, a second-year student at North Central State College, a passion for technology and a desire to protect others from cybercrime are shaping his future. With the help of scholarships, campus leadership opportunities, and a clear vision for his career, Earles is building a foundation for success without the burden of tuition debt.
Earles is studying information technology and cybersecurity, a field he believes will become increasingly important as technology continues to evolve and organizations face growing digital threats.
“I want to come here since I consider myself a computer and tech geek,” Earles said. “I thought this field would be my calling, and actually it is.”
Before enrolling at North Central, Earles spent two years studying IT and cybersecurity at Pioneer Career and Technology Center. During this time, he served as a SkillsUSA local chapter officer, a student council member, and a student ambassador.
He has continued to pursue leadership and academic opportunities at North Central State College. During his first year, Earles made the dean’s list twice, became a peer tutor and mental health and wellness ambassador, and was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success.
He also serves as president of the college’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, is president of the music club on campus, and is a member of Richland Young Professionals. For Earles, these experiences have provided opportunities to develop leadership skills, connect with others, and prepare for his future career.
Although Earles was eager to continue his education after high school, the cost of college initially created uncertainty about whether he could afford to attend. That changed when he learned about North Central State College’s Tuition Freedom Scholarship, which allows eligible students to attend college tuition-free for up to 64 credit hours.
“When I saw that Tuition Freedom Scholarship for North Central State College would allow me to attend college earning up to 64 credit hours tuition-free, my decision was made,” Earles said. The scholarship allowed him to focus on his education and career goals without the added stress of tuition expenses.
During a speech thanking scholarship donors, Earles emphasized the difference their generosity makes for students and families who might otherwise struggle to afford higher education.
“Debt-free scholarships have made a big difference in my academic journey and allow me to focus on my education without worry,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the parents, faculty, staff, mentors, and donors who help students pursue their goals.
Earles sees cybersecurity as an increasingly critical field as businesses, schools, hospitals, colleges, and local governments rely more heavily on digital systems. He believes advances in technology and artificial intelligence will create new opportunities while also presenting additional challenges for cybersecurity professionals.
As cybercriminals develop new ways to exploit networks and digital infrastructure, Earles hopes to be part of the solution. After graduating from North Central State College with his associate degree, he plans to attend The Ohio State University to pursue his bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice studies.
Combining his technical background with criminal justice education would help him better understand cybercrime and how to prevent it.
“With this training, I will be equipped not only to help fight cybercrime and stop cybercriminals in their tracks, but also to help prevent these crimes from happening in the first place,” Earles said,
Outside the classroom, Earles enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, studying maps and following sports. His involvement in campus organizations and the local professional community also reflects his commitment to staying connected to the Mansfield area while preparing for his future.
For Earles, North Central State College offers more than a path to an associate degree. It provides an affordable starting point for pursuing a bachelor’s degree and building a meaningful career.
He credits the college’s scholarship support, along with the encouragement of family, mentors, and donors, with helping make that path possible. “I wanted to start my journey to a successful career in cybersecurity here at North Central because with a little help and support, with a little hard work, I can graduate with an associate’s degree and transfer to a four-year university,” Earles said.
His story highlights the impact of accessible higher education and the role scholarships can play in helping students turn their interest into long-term career goals.
For Earles, the opportunity to pursue college tuition-free is helping him focus on what comes next: continuing his education, developing skills, and working toward a future protecting people and organizations from cybercrime.