Cyber Defender: CCC Student Finds Purpose in Protecting Others
Cleveland Community College student Chad Pinyan started down the path into cybersecurity with a simple goal: to help people.
After spending more than a decade at home caring for his disabled mother and raising his daughter, Chad decided it was time to pursue a new career. Once his daughter went off to college, he was ready. He wanted a career that would enable him to continue making a difference.
That decision led him to CCC, where he enrolled in the cybersecurity program, and later added two more related programs to enhance his skills and broaden his career opportunities. He will graduate in May 2026 with three associate degrees. “The instructors at CCC gave me the guidance and confidence I needed to succeed in this field,” Chad said.
As part of his cybersecurity program, Chad completed a Work-Based Learning (WBL) course that provides students with hands-on experience in their chosen field of study. He secured a summer internship with the Carolina Cyber Network (CCN), where he gained valuable real-world experience working alongside a skilled cybersecurity team.
During his internship, Chad deepened his technical knowledge and honed his leadership and teamwork abilities. He even helped organize a cybersecurity workshop on CCC’s campus to educate local small businesses about online safety and data protection. Plans are in place to hold six more workshops during the spring 2026 semester.
After one of those workshops, a participant sent a letter praising its value. The attendee stated, “Not only was I educated about cybercrime tactics, but it also provided steps I can implement on my devices to help protect against digital threats.” The attendee went on to praise the help they received from Chad, saying, “Mr. Pinyan is a valuable resource for anyone needing assistance with cybersecurity on their computer or smartphone device.”
Chad’s supervisor, Gabe Lindsey, praised his initiative and professionalism, “Chad consistently looked for ways to help others and demonstrated exceptional growth. His leadership and communication skills stood out.”
That impact didn’t go unnoticed. After completing his internship, Carolina Cyber Network created a new position specifically for Chad. On September 10, 2025, he officially became CCN’s new Cybersafe Community Assistant. A few months into that new position, Chad says things are going great, “working with the community to help protect them.”
Outside of work, Chad continues using his cybersecurity knowledge to serve others. He developed a program at his church to help community members recognize scams and online threats, and he has, of course, helped protect his mother from potential fraud attempts.
When asked why he chose cybersecurity, Chad doesn’t hesitate with his answer: “To help people.”
Reflecting on his journey, he credits Work-Based Learning as a defining experience. “I not only learned more about cybersecurity,” Chad said, “but I also learned how to work on a team, manage disagreements, and be patient. The experience confirmed that I’m on the right path.”
Chad is one example of how hands-on learning, dedicated instructors, and strong industry partnerships at Cleveland Community College can transform ambition into opportunity.
Interested in cyber security? Check out CCC’s Associate in Applied Science in Information Technology – Cyber Security or other programs of study in the Information Technology field.