(INDIANAPOLIS) – Indiana today announced a first-of-its-kind initiative to scale high-quality cybersecurity education across K-12 schools, establishing one of the country’s most comprehensive and aligned cybersecurity pathways. With this launch, Indiana becomes the first state to build a strategic, military‑aligned cybersecurity pathway connecting high schools, two‑ and four‑year institutions, the National Guard, and employers, positioning Indiana as a national leader in cybersecurity education.
“This first-of-its-kind partnership is yet another example of how Indiana identifies challenges and immediately gets to work to solve those challenges,” said Governor Mike Braun. “Through this collaboration, Indiana’s cybersecurity sector will be able to meet its talent needs with highly-skilled homegrown professionals, and our students will be better prepared than ever before to excel in these high-wage, high-demand careers that will shape the future of our state and nation.”
The statewide initiative led by the Indiana Department of Education involves a cross-sector coalition of organizations, including College Board, Project Lead the Way (PLTW), Indiana Cyber Network, Indiana National Guard, Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana Chamber of Commerce Defense Council, Eli Lilly and Company, and other partners who will continue to be added in order to maximize opportunities for students.
The initiative is creating college and career pathways through the strategic expansion of access to AP Cybersecurity and PLTW Cybersecurity courses. Through these pathways, students can earn both high school and college credit and participate in work-based learning, helping them earn one of the state’s new enrollment, employment, and/or enlistment and service diploma seals. What makes this collaboration unique is Indiana’s focus on developing a cybersecurity stackable credential that launches students straight into college or high‑demand careers.
“As technology continues to evolve rapidly, the prevalence and sophistication of cyber attacks is also increasing at an alarming rate, thus impacting our schools, our communities, and even our national security” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “Central to our mission in K-12 is helping our students to find their unique purpose, to thrive in life and in their career, and to tackle the greatest challenges of our time. By urgently expanding cybersecurity pathways, we can create stronger, more prepared citizens and better protect our state and homeland.”
According to Indiana’s Cybersecurity Hub, there are more than 20,000 open cybersecurity roles, highlighting the state’s urgent workforce need. Approximately 69 Indiana public high schools currently offer cybersecurity courses, providing access for about 560 students. Over the next three years, Indiana aims to grow that number to 200 high schools, reaching approximately 4,000 students.
Over this same period, the state aims to expand the number of students who enroll in cybersecurity degree programs, pursue a cybersecurity specialty in the National Guard, and secure cybersecurity jobs with Indiana businesses.
“Our country desperately needs cybersecurity talent, and our students are hungry for learning that gives them purpose and a path to their future,” said College Board CEO David Coleman. “Indiana is setting the pace for other states to follow, engaging young people in defending our country and securing great jobs.”
This cross-sector partnership will focus on:
Increasing access to cybersecurity coursework and digital literacy opportunities for K-12 students;
Expanding hands‑on learning experiences, including career exploration and work-based learning opportunities;
Strengthening collaboration between schools, higher education, and industry partners; and
Supporting educators with professional development aligned to cybersecurity career pathways.
K-12 schools and employers interested in participating or supporting expanded cybersecurity opportunities for students can learn more by contacting indianacyber@collegeboard.org.