Last month, we hosted a design lab for educators and school leaders interested in establishing and sustaining cybersecurity pathways in their schools. Through a partnership from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, and with all of the amazing vendors and experts in the field of cybersecurity, this event was a huge hit.
Participants from 21 schools developed actionable steps, gained valuable insights, and are now excited to prepare their students for one of the fastest-growing and essential fields in the world. Here are some of the key points from the day.
Why Cybersecurity?
Kirk M. Herath, Cyber Security Strategic Advisor at the Office of the Governor & Chairman at CyberOhio shared the importance of preparing students for high-quality careers that are in high demand. By integrating cybersecurity into K-12 education, schools can prepare students not only for these opportunities but also for a future where digital literacy and security awareness are essential life skills.
The facts…
The US Bureau of Labor and Services states that the median pay in 2023 for Information Security Analysts was over $120,000 a year and it is expected to grow by around 33% within the next 9 years. Entry-level education for this career is a Bachelor’s degree.
Expert key takeaways:
One fan favorite of the day was the cybersecurity experts who joined us for a panel discussion. They offered a unique perspective that helps us ensure we are creating pathways that align with employer’s needs as well as technological advancements.
- Warner Moore Founder of GammaForce.io, Founder of Tech Community Coalition, and Venture Capital board member advisor, recommends schools consider having students complete ISC2 – CC (Certified in Cybersecurity) credential – 1 point on Ohio’s industry credential list. It is a free self-paced training and exam (for the first 1 million people).
- Warner also shared this mind map as a resource for helping kids see the vast array of careers in cybersecurity.
- John Caroll, Network Systems Engineer for Salon Lofts Corporation and IT independent consultant, shared these resources that might be helpful to you:
- Brad Griffith, President of Buckeye Innovation says:
- Early access to technology and to mentors and role models who can shared possible careers with me helped kickstart my love of software development; you can be that mentor who inspires initiative and lifelong learning even if you aren’t a technologist, just like my High School “Problems in Technology” teacher, Kevin Burns, did for me
- Students need to learn basic digital skill and online safety tips including use of a password manager for strong passwords, running software updates regularly, and limiting the storage ad sending of sensitive information; most cybersecurity breaches are the result of human error
- Kids are aware of subtle hits about what careers may be good for them, so don’t recruit only kids in the AV or chess clubs
Exciting Next Steps:
The schools that joined us were invited to apply for our Cybersecurity Pilot Program. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce will fund technical assistance and professional development for five Ohio schools, across the different regions of the state.
Pilot schools will be selected based on their vision, readiness, and commitment. Selected pilot schools will plan their new or enhanced cybersecurity pathways in early 2025, receive support and participate in professional development through Summer 2025, and launch their pathways by Fall 2025.
Selected Pilot Schools will be eligible for the following support:
- FREE technical assistance virtual and in-person sessions with EnvisionEdPlus and a team of cybersecurity professionals;
- A stipend of $1,000 is to be paid to a pathway teacher who participates in FREE summer professional development provided by the PAST Foundation; and,
- As much as $20,000 in curriculum and/or instructional resources!!
This project is one that our team is really excited and proud about. We can’t wait to start reviewing pilot school applications and get to work! Together we can shape the future, one student, and one school at a time.
Check back in a few weeks for an update on the pilot program!