(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana is launching a new statewide effort aimed at expanding cybersecurity education and building a pipeline connecting students to college, careers, and military service.
State leaders say the initiative creates what they describe as the nation's first military-aligned cybersecurity pathway connecting K-12 schools, colleges, the Indiana National Guard, and employers.
Governor Mike Braun said the partnership is designed to help meet workforce demands while preparing students for what the state calls high-wage, high-demand careers.
The initiative, led by the Indiana Department of Education, brings together schools, higher education institutions, employers, and organizations including: College Board, Project Lead The Way, Ivy Tech Community College, and the Indiana National Guard.
State officials say the effort will expand access to Advanced Placement cybersecurity courses and Project Lead The Way cybersecurity classes. Students may earn high school and college credit while participating in work-based learning opportunities.
According to Indiana's Cybersecurity Hub, more than 20,000 cybersecurity jobs are currently open statewide.
About 69 Indiana public high schools currently offer cybersecurity coursework serving roughly 560 students.
Over the next three years, the state hopes to expand that to 200 schools and approximately 4,000 students.