Reimagining K–12 Cybersecurity Education Pathways

A research-oriented workshop convening cross-sector experts to investigate systemic challenges in cybersecurity education—from kindergarten through workforce entry—and identify evidence-based, testable interventions.

Evidence-First Inquiry

We prioritize rigorous research over promotional narratives. Participants triangulate data sources, identify contradictions, and draw evidence-based conclusions about what actually works.

Systems Thinking

Rather than isolated programs, we examine how labor markets, pedagogy, and pathways interconnect. Understanding the whole system reveals high-leverage intervention points.

Testable Outcomes

The goal is not consensus—it's actionable research questions, measurable pilots, and practical interventions that can be tested, refined, and scaled across diverse contexts.

Three Core Threads

Labor Market Realities

What entry opportunities actually exist for recent high school and college graduates? We investigate credential mismatches, dual-expertise demands, regional variations, and AI's impact on entry-level roles—examining what skills genuinely matter for workforce entry.
Cultivating Higher-Order Skills

How do we reliably develop curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and craftsmanship at scale? We explore evidence-based practices for authentic applied learning while navigating the tension between structured curriculum and rapid technological change.
K–12 Pipeline Integration

Computing pathways compete within CTE frameworks, fragmenting student opportunities and diluting district capacity. We examine structural changes—shared foundational courses, regional consortia, integrated curricula—that better serve both students and labor market needs.

Confirmed participants

20+

Organizations represented

Sectors at the table

Days of working sessions

Federal Agencies & Labs

The nation's cyber policy infrastructure

NIST / NICE • Idaho National Laboratory • U.S. House Committee on Education & Workforce

Universities & Community Colleges

Research, teacher-prep, and postsecondary pathways

University of South Florida • Worcester Polytechnic Institute • Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico • Univ. of Arkansas at Little Rock • Univ. of Colorado Colorado Springs • Moraine Valley Community College • Coastline College • UAH

Nonprofits & National Organizations

The organizations setting the national agenda

College Board • Project Lead The Way • National Cryptologic Foundation • DARK Enterprises • INTERalliance • KC STEM Alliance • EnterpriseKC

K–12 Districts & CTE Programs

Where the rubber meets the road

Gwinnett County Public Schools • Calvert County Public Schools • Shawnee Mission Center for Academic Achievement • Chandler Unified • Oak Ridge Schools

Industry & Workforce Training

Employers and practitioners closest to hiring reality

CompTIA • Centriq Training • IT Audit Labs • Paradigm Cyber • Cornerstone Integration

State Education Agencies

Policy and implementation at scale

Iowa Department of Education • Iowa STEM Advisory Council

Workshop Values

🔍

Rigorous Evidence

Data over anecdotes, research over opinion

🤝

Cross-Sector Collaboration

K–12 educators, industry, policy, research

💡

Intellectual Humility

Acknowledging uncertainty and failed experiments

📊

Measurable Impact

Outcomes that can be tested in 6–12 months

Workshop Complete

Workshop results are coming soon.

The May 18–19, 2026 Horizons workshop has concluded. We are synthesizing the major themes, research questions, and next-step opportunities now.

View Results Status →