K–20+ Cybersecurity Education: Building a Secure Digital Future.
Cybersecurity education across the K–20+ continuum, from kindergarten through graduate school and lifelong learning, is essential to preparing individuals, institutions, and communities for an increasingly digital and interconnected world. As cyber threats continue to grow in scale and sophistication, developing cybersecurity awareness, skills, and professional expertise must begin early and continue throughout a learner’s academic and career journey.
A strong K–20+ cybersecurity ecosystem not only addresses workforce shortages, but also promotes digital citizenship, equity, resilience, and national security.
K-20+ Programs and Pathways
Programs
Cybersecurity programs provide structured learning experiences that help students and professionals build practical, job-ready skills. These programs span K–12, postsecondary, and workforce levels, and may include xclassroom instruction, hands-on labs, simulations, internships, and industry-aligned credentials.
Pathways
Cybersecurity pathways provide clear, connected routes from early education through careers, helping learners build knowledge and skills over time. Beginning in K–12, students develop digital citizenship, cyber safety awareness, and foundational technical skills. At the postsecondary level, pathways expand into certificates, degrees, and industry-aligned credentials, leading to careers in cybersecurity, IT, and related fields.
Community of Practice
A cybersecurity educator community of practice brings together K–12 teachers, postsecondary faculty, and industry professionals to collaborate, share resources, and strengthen cybersecurity education. Through regular engagement, members exchange best practices, align curriculum with workforce needs, support professional development, and foster inclusive pathways for learners. These communities help ensure cybersecurity instruction remains current, relevant, and impactful across the K–20+ continuum.