News Summary
Arizona is enhancing cybersecurity education in its schools, with Xavier College Preparatory as a pilot for two new AP courses. These initiatives aim to equip students with essential digital skills and address workforce gaps in cybersecurity, while also empowering young women to pursue careers in this field. The courses will cover various aspects of cybersecurity, networking, and emerging technologies, contributing to a more diverse and capable workforce.
Phoenix, Arizona – A new initiative to strengthen cybersecurity education is being rolled out in Arizona’s schools, with Xavier College Preparatory selected as a pilot school by the College Board to introduce two innovative courses in its computer science curriculum. This effort aims to equip students with the essential skills needed to navigate an increasingly digital world, addressing a critical workforce gap in the cybersecurity sector.
The newly launched Advanced Placement (AP) cybersecurity networking course is designed to be inclusive, catering to all students, regardless of their previous knowledge or technical skill level. This course enables students to engage in hands-on learning experiences, covering key networking concepts, hardware components, protocols, and security practices.
In addition to the AP networking course, the AP CK cybersecurity class acts as a college-level introductory course focused on identifying common threats, vulnerabilities, and strategies for managing risks within the cybersecurity field. Students enrolled in these courses will also explore emerging trends in cybersecurity, such as artificial intelligence, virtualization, hardware advancements, and the growing significance of the internet of things (IoT).
One of the notable aspects of this initiative is its emphasis on empowering young women to pursue careers in cybersecurity, tackling the gender gap that currently persists in the technology sector. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to diversify the workforce, ensuring that individuals from various backgrounds have opportunities to excel in this vital field.
The broader Paradise Valley Unified School District serves over 27,000 students and has a variety of career and technical education classes that cover subjects like arts, science, technology, education, JROTC, and business management. Within this framework, the Center for Research in Engineering, Science, and Technology (CREST) at Paradise Valley High School enriches students’ skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and career and technical education (CTE), allowing specialization in areas such as bioscience, engineering, or software application development.
With increasing demand for flexibility in education, Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA) provides a tuition-free online learning platform for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. This program emphasizes personalized support and educational excellence, taught by Arizona-certified teachers. Students also have the chance to socialize, both online and through in-person events like Family Fun Days.
BASIS Charter Schools are recognized for their high academic standards, boasting a 94.5% average pass rate on AP Exams, with 100% of graduates accepted into four-year colleges or universities. The innovative co-teaching model in their kindergarten classrooms encourages comprehensive learning across various subjects, including engineering and Mandarin.
Furthermore, K12, an online learning provider, is tackling the challenge of special education teacher shortages by collaborating with teachers across states to deliver quality online instruction. This partnership aims to ensure that all students, including those with special needs, receive the necessary support for their educational journeys.
In addition, the University of Phoenix has been recognized as the EC-Council 2024 Academic Partner of the Year, attributed to its commitment to enhancing cybersecurity education through exceptional innovation and impactful programs. The university aligns its degree offerings with industry-leading EC-Council certification exams, providing students with the tools needed for a successful career in cybersecurity.
On a strategic level, former Arizona Chief Information Security Officer Tim Roemer has joined ThriveDX to develop customizable cybersecurity training programs for government organizations. His initiatives stress the importance of regular training exercises alongside advocating for increased funding to bolster state and local cybersecurity efforts. Roemer’s strategy aims at promoting a collaborative statewide approach to enhance cybersecurity workforce training and development.
ThriveDX is dedicated to creating a more diverse cybersecurity workforce by partnering with a wide range of organizations and educational institutions. This initiative forms part of a larger movement to equip the next generation with the skills required to meet the challenges of an evolving technological landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Arizona Launches First Artificial Intelligence Steering Committee
Arizona Launches SecureAZ to Enhance SMB Cybersecurity
Arizona Launches SecureAZ Nonprofit for SMB Cybersecurity
Additional Resources
- Phoenix Magazine: Innovations in Education
- Business Wire: University of Phoenix Recognized
- We Live Security: Making Cybersecurity Training Effective
- StateScoop: Tim Roemer on Cyber Training
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cybersecurity
