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Cyber SyncED: Expanding Cybersecurity Education for Every Student

Cyber SyncED: Expanding Cybersecurity Education for Every Student

In a world where digital systems power everything from healthcare to the arts, cybersecurity literacy has become a universal skill. The Energetics Technology Center (ETC) is leading the charge with Cyber SyncED, an innovative STEM education initiative that makes cybersecurity accessible to all learners—not just those pursuing technical fields.

Whether a student plans to be a lawyer, journalist, designer, or entrepreneur, understanding the fundamentals of cybersecurity gives them a vital edge in today’s interconnected world.

About the Cyber SyncED Program

ETC worked in collaboration with the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) and the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) to create Cyber SyncED, which advances cybersecurity and AI education for both students and educators. The program consists of two key components:

  • CyberTEACH – Professional development for educators, equipping teachers on how to integrate cybersecurity and AI concepts into non-STEM curricula.

  • CyberLEARN – Hands-on cybersecurity training for middle and high school students, building a talent pipeline for national security and defense innovation.

Through immersive, real-world experiences, Cyber SyncED bridges the gap between education and the cybersecurity workforce—preparing both teachers and students to thrive in a digital future.

Making Cybersecurity Accessible and Engaging

Cyber SyncED is designed to ensure every learner, regardless of background, can grasp and apply cybersecurity fundamentals. Its four guiding pillars include:

  • Inclusive Curriculum for Non-STEM Students: Concepts are presented through creative, relatable projects that make cybersecurity approachable for all learners.

  • Project-Based, Hands-On Learning: Students participate in virtual escape rooms, simulated cyberattacks, and interactive exercises that spark critical thinking.

  • Expert-Led Instruction: Lessons are guided by cybersecurity professionals who bring real-world insights and relevance to every session.

  • Career Pathway Exploration: Students connect cyber skills to diverse career fields—from healthcare and law to finance and the arts—building confidence and curiosity.

CyberTEACH: Empowering Educators Through AI and Cyber Literacy

The CyberTEACH initiative focuses on advancing educator training in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and generative AI (GAI). By empowering teachers, ETC amplifies cyber awareness and creativity across entire school communities.

Cohort Progress

In June 2025, ETC hosted two concurrent cohorts of CyberTEACH training:

  • Cohort 7: Included 28 educators from five non-public schools in Washington, D.C., and Maryland—primarily Catholic single-sex institutions such as The Academy of the Holy Cross, Elizabeth Seton High School, Georgetown Visitation, and DeMatha High School.

  • Cohort 8: Included 22 educators from California’s Inglewood Unified School District, representing a public-school model focused on scalability, equity, and accessibility.

Participants completed pre- and post-program assessments evaluating growth in cybersecurity knowledge, AI applications, and classroom integration strategies.

Key Findings:

  • Cohort 7 excelled in creative and ethical curriculum integrations, using approaches like theatre-based cyber lessons and faith-driven digital ethics.

  • Cohort 8 achieved consistent, scalable results through district-level implementation and inclusivity measures, including English Language Learner (ELL) support.

A third cohort (Sept. 27–Oct. 25, 2025) continued this momentum, training 20 educators from 16 schools across Maryland, D.C., and Virginia—further expanding CyberTEACH’s reach and reinforcing ETC’s leadership in cyber education.

CyberLEARN: Preparing Students for the Cyber Workforce

The CyberLEARN program engages middle and high school students through experiential learning that builds confidence, technical skills, and interest in cybersecurity careers tied to national security.

High School Program

ETC enhanced the 2025 high school CyberLEARN curriculum with new features developed in collaboration with UMGC and feedback from the Inglewood Bootcamp. Additions included Cyber Range simulations, expanded lab time, and a Capture the Flag competition during the summer session in Adelphi, MD (July 28–August 1, 2025). Students also toured the NSA Cryptologic Museum, linking lessons to real-world applications.

Program Results:

  • 71% of students improved understanding of digital system protection.

  • 82% gained hands-on experience with cybersecurity tools.

  • 83% learned about Department of Defense (DoD) STEM fields and career opportunities.

Student engagement continues beyond the classroom through the Cyber Club at Perry Hall High School, where participants have:

  • Competed in the National Cyber Cup and CyberPatriot competitions.

  • Participated in events like the UMBC Hackathon and GoTechnica at the University of Maryland, College Park.

ETC is also developing the JROTC CyberBridge initiative, extending CyberLEARN to Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) programs. This effort targets non-STEM cadets and supports workforce development to address the national shortage of over 500,000 cybersecurity professionals, including 27,050 vacancies in Maryland alone.

Advancing Cyber Education, Building a Secure Future

Through Cyber SyncED, ETC continues to expand cybersecurity education beyond traditional boundaries—connecting educators, students, and communities to the skills needed for a safe and resilient digital future.

By bridging education, innovation, and national security, ETC is not only addressing the cybersecurity talent gap but also inspiring the next generation of leaders to think critically, ethically, and creatively about the digital world.