Career Kickstart Cybersecurity Pilots

Learn about the 2025-26 Career Kickstart pilots and how to apply.

2025-26 Pilot Application Form

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In the fall of 2025, Career Kickstart will launch a pilot program for hundreds of high schools to test our Cybersecurity frameworks for two courses:  

  • Cybersecurity 1: Networking Fundamentals 

  • Cybersecurity 2: Cybersecurity Fundamentals   

Participant Profile

Here’s what we’re looking for in pilot teachers: 

  • Teaching Experience: You're an innovator who enjoys trying new things and launching new programs; you engage in an iterative design and application process to drive improvement. Preferably (but not required), you are teaching or have recently taught a course in networking, cybersecurity, or computer science.  

  • Commitment: You’re excited to participate and will complete the course with your students so they can take the exam at the end of the year, if they choose. 

  • Collaboration: You enjoy (and have experience) working with other teachers to build and improve your course, share ideas, and learn from their practice. You believe that no one has a monopoly on the right idea and that students benefit when educators work together. 

  • Engagement: You understand the importance of and are skilled at building student relationships. You encourage student voice and choice, and you prepare lessons that prioritize high levels of engagement.  

  • Applied Learning: You believe that students learn by doing and need to engage in productive struggle. You’re comfortable (and have experience) using a project- or problem-based instructional approach. 

  • Innovation: You value creativity in the classroom, and you innovate in your instructional practices. You’re unafraid to try new techniques or strategies and encourage students to take risks. You recognize that innovation is an iterative process of improvement.  

  • Equity: You believe that every student can be successful, and you provide the support needed to ensure all students have equitable access to instructional content. 

  • Curiosity: You’re interested in technology: how it works, why it sometimes doesn’t work, and how to fix it. You see yourself as a co-learner with students. 

Application Guidelines   

Schools, districts, and teachers should submit an application by November 15, 2024.  

Before completing the form, please read the Participant Profile above and the pilot commitments in the Pilot Application form. Completing the form does not obligate you to participate.  

You will receive a follow-up once you submit the application. 

Questions? Get in Touch

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