CYBER.ORG, an academic initiative of the Cyber Innovation Center, has introduced a cybersecurity workforce development pilot in the D.C. School District. This six-week program, running from June 23 to August 1, targets students from Ballou High School, Cesar Chavez Public Charter School, and Archbishop Carroll Private School, aiming to build a robust pipeline for cybersecurity careers.
CYBER.ORG launches a cybersecurity pilot in D.C. schools to boost career pathways.
Six-week program teaches coding, cyber defense, and industry certifications.
Involves Ballou High, Cesar Chavez, and Archbishop Carroll schools.
Aligns with D.C.'s Summer Youth Employment Program for practical experience.
Addresses the U.S. cybersecurity workforce gap with 514,000 open roles.
Scalable model aims for nationwide adoption in diverse school districts.
The CYBER.ORG Cybersecurity Job Corps Pilot introduces K-12 students to essential cybersecurity skills, including coding and cyber defense. Through hands-on training with real-world scenarios, students gain practical experience and exposure to industry certifications and higher education pathways. The initiative aligns with the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, as the U.S. currently fills only 74% of its cyber-related job openings, with over 514,000 roles listed from May 2024 to April 2025.
In partnership with local leaders, workforce development organizations, and elected officials, CYBER.ORG designs a scalable and adaptable model. This framework allows the program to be implemented across diverse districts, from rural areas to major metropolitan regions. The pilot’s structure supports integration into school curricula, with many students committing to cyber education classes in the 2025-2026 academic year under the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways Program.
The program collaborates with the D.C. Revenue Bond Program, which supports educational initiatives to build a skilled workforce. “Our D.C. Revenue Bond Program supports educational initiatives across all levels. We have successfully closed several bonds with both public charter and private schools throughout the city. Cybersecurity programs are helping to develop a critical and in-demand workforce that we aim to expand within the district. These programs play a key role in enhancing the city’s capacity to build a diverse and skilled talent pipeline,” said William A. Liggins, director of D.C. Revenue Bond Program. The initiative also integrates with the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program, offering students practical experience and elective credits.
CYBER.ORG aims to evolve the program over multiple academic cycles, incorporating real-time feedback for district-wide implementation. “With education largely shaped at the state level, CYBER.ORG is committed to serving as a flexible resource that can be tailored to meet the unique, local needs of any district,” said Charlene Cooper, interim executive director of CYBER.ORG. Early demand has exceeded expectations, indicating strong community support for expanding cybersecurity education.
The Cybersecurity Job Corps Pilot represents a strategic step toward closing the workforce gap while equipping students with in-demand skills for future careers. Its success in D.C. could pave the way for nationwide adoption, fostering a new generation of cybersecurity professionals.
CYBER.ORG is a cybersecurity workforce development organization advancing K-12 cybersecurity education nationwide through no-cost curriculum and teacher professional development resources. Supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency through the Cybersecurity Education and Training Assistance Program (CETAP) grant. CYBER.ORG provides educators and caregivers with resources and training to teach cybersecurity education to K-12 students nationwide. Today, over 30,000 teachers across all 50 states and four U.S. territories are enrolled in the CYBER.ORG’s content platform. As an affiliate of the Cyber Innovation Center, CYBER.ORG is committed to reaching over 50,000 educators by 2029, impacting over six million students nationwide.
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