Students create game-changing cybersecurity training for Pasadena ISD
A colorful 3D monster blocks the path. To defeat it, the third grader must identify a suspicious link before the attack spreads. Correct choice: Advance to the next challenge. Wrong choice: The creature grows stronger.
This isn’t just a game. It’s a cybersecurity training tool San Jacinto College game design students are creating for Pasadena Independent School District.
Inspired by the popularity of Minecraft, Fortnite, and Pokémon, this interactive game will help students in grades 3-12 learn how to navigate phishing attempts, social engineering tactics, and other online threats.
The project meets a community need while giving San Jac students valuable experience working with a client.
Gaming meets cybersecurity
In fall 2025, San Jac and Pasadena ISD discussed collaboration opportunities to strengthen cybersecurity awareness among younger students. From this conversation emerged the idea to gamify the district’s existing training course.
A game “just made sense,” said JohnT Powell, Pasadena ISD director of applications support and development.
Computer information technology professor David “DJ” Thomas also jumped at the opportunity: A turn-based attack game featuring creature battles would make cybersecurity more approachable for kids and teens while growing his students’ technical and creative skills.
“I've been in cybersecurity for years, so I get that annual training can be mundane…. ‘Don’t do this. Don’t do that,’” Thomas said. “How can we make that process more interactive, more fun?”
Learning by building
Thomas is assembling a six-student team that will include both game design and cybersecurity students. Supported by Rizwan Virani, senior director of cybersecurity programs, the group will create the game as its capstone project this fall.
Along the way, teammates will strengthen their programming, scripting, animation, project management, and collaboration skills.
“This project will be great for them because they’ve already done it academically,” Thomas said. “They actually created one of the first fighting games within the program's history, and that’s very difficult.”
Since I’m interested in game systems, design, and building polished player experiences, I want to make the project feel more like a real game instead of just a lesson.
Students will manage the project from design to launch, sharing progress with Pasadena ISD and gathering feedback through an online project board. After beta testing, the game could be piloted with district students by spring 2027.
Team member and game design student Eric Hankston looks forward to growing his development and business skills.
“I hope to turn the cybersecurity training into something students can actually understand, play, and enjoy,” Hankston said. “Since I’m interested in game systems, design, and building polished player experiences, I want to make the project feel more like a real game instead of just a lesson.”
Expanding career options
While class projects often end when the semester ends, this one will continue to help
thousands of younger students after its creators graduate.
“If you have it in your mind to design games, come on and get the skill set here,” Thomas said. “When things open up, you’ll be the first to have the training with gamifying. I believe every industry wants to enhance how they’re training.”
Impacting beyond the screen
The cybersecurity game represents a win-win partnership. Pasadena ISD students learn how to navigate a complex digital world, while San Jac students graduate with real-world client experience.
“Anytime we can connect K-12 and higher education in a practical way like this, it creates value on both sides,” Powell said.
For Thomas, the project is about preparing students for emerging opportunities.
“There’s a saying that if you’re prepared you don’t need to get ready,” he said.
Learn more about the game design program
Level up with Game Design
Don't just play games — create them! Turn your passion into a career with San Jac’s game design program. Learn how games are created from concept to completion. Whether you’re interested in coding, level design, or storytelling, you’ll gain the skills to bring your ideas to life.
2 years (Associate of Applied Science degree)
Computer programmer: $96,052*
Web and digital interface designer: $95,887*
Software developer: $129,425*
*texaswages.com, 2025 median wages, Gulf Coast Region
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today,
and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than
1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving
the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately
45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and
certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer
to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding
bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
