Contact Us to Host or Attend a Workshop
Cybersecurity is a career field full of opportunity and lucrative job prospects. Yet not enough youth are being guided towards filling this critical workforce need. Attend our new workshop to become a part of the solution.
The statistics:
At last check, Cyberseek.org reports there are over 514 thousand open job listings around the U.S. This critical field is expected to increase hiring by 30% over the next seven years (Cyberseek.org). However, according to Cybersupply.org, only about 7.5% of US public high schools have enough gateway and cybersecurity courses to make a full pathway for students into college cyber programs.
In 2025, the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence conducted multiple interviews with academics and cyber professionals. These individuals made it clear that early learners have a distinct advantage in cybersecurity careers over time. By starting in high school, students have a longer runway in which to build hands-on experience that counts with employers.
How can Washington fill this gap?
Our recent RAMPS grant includes a key mission to help build bridges from high schools to college cyber programs. We're starting with a workshop series to help teachers and career advisors in both college and K-12 institutions.
Workshop Outcomes
- Skillfully explore cybersecurity career options with students
- Articulate the diverse nature of cyber careers
- Explain the value proposition of starting a cybersecurity pathway while in high school
- Be able to navigate the NICE framework and explain it to others
- Confidently help students build educational roadmaps from high school to college cyber programs
- Explore curriculum options for K12
Who should attend? Individuals from Washington's K-12 institutions AND community and technical colleges.
We're Inviting:
- Faculty
- Career advisors
- Department chairs
- CTE Directors
- Deans
- Champions for cybersecurity education
Workshop #1 - May 2026 - South Seattle area.
(Details to be posted soon.)
Meanwhile, your feedback is requested:
- What burning questions should the workshop address?
- What kind of handouts or brochures would help in your job as a cyber career counselor?
- What unmet needs or challenges hinder your school's ability to offer cybersecurity courses?
Can you host a workshop?
If you cannot attend our May session, please request another date. We especially want to hear from colleges that can offer a meeting room. Ideal group sizes: 12 to 25 people. This is a great opportunity for colleges to invite area high schools. Use this workshop as a catalyst for building K12 relationships and boosting enrollment pipelines.
Please contact Brent Lundstrom at BLundstrom@whatcom.edu
Or contact Nichole Schmitt at NSchmitt@whatcom.edu
