New partnership with CYBER.ORG enhances cybersecurity education for cadets and members

Maj Sylvie Kacmarcik of Washington Wing begins a cybersecurity education presentation using CYBER.ORG materials.

Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with CYBER.ORG, an initiative of the Cyber Innovation Center. This collaboration is set to significantly enhance our ability to provide high-quality cybersecurity education across Civil Air Patrol, cultivating the next generation of cyber-ready leaders and professionals.

CYBER.ORG is dedicated to strengthening K-12 cybersecurity education and developing a future workforce equipped to meet our nation's critical cybersecurity demands. Through grant funding from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), CYBER.ORG provides a wealth of valuable, no-cost resources specifically for K-12 educators within the United States. Thanks to the special MOU between CYBER.ORG and CAP, this now includes our dedicated Aerospace Education Officers (AEOs), and any other senior member interested in instructing K-12th graders, to include Aerospace Education Members (AEMs).

A Proven Track Record within CAP

Some of you might already be familiar with CYBER.ORG's excellent materials. Since 2019, Maj. Sylvie Kacmarcik has spearheaded the Washington Wing Cyber Education Training (CET) program, which has successfully integrated CYBER.ORG resources alongside Air & Space Forces Association CyberPatriot/CyberCamp and Cisco Networking Academy courses.

The Washington Wing CET program supplements unit training and provides guidance and resources to officers from Washington and nearby wings with in-person and online training sessions also open to participants from any CAP wing. This program has enriched its offerings by adding Computer Science & Engineering topics, including electronics, robotics, Python programming, cybersecurity, and career exploration.

The CET program also hosts the summer Green Darner Cyber Education Academy, a CAP Nationally-Accredited Cadet Special Activity (pictured, right). Maj. Kacmarcik's team found that CYBER.ORG resources were a great addition to their curriculum because they are specifically created for K-12 students with age-appropriate materials. Their ready-to-use lesson plans, slide decks, activities, labs, and answer keys can be used as is or easily customized to your audience and teaching style.

Key Offerings from the CYBER.ORG Partnership

Building on this success, we encourage all CAP educators to explore the comprehensive resources available:

• K-12 Cybersecurity Curricula: Through a unique login provided to CAP members who register, senior members can access a diverse range of no-cost learning materials spanning subjects such as Career & Technical Education, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Science, Mathematics, Robotics & Coding, and Humanities. These resources are exclusively available to K-12 educators, including our CAP educators and interested Senior Members. Some courses are even aligned with industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Linux+, and CompTIA IT Fundamentals! You have the flexibility to implement entire courses or integrate individual units and lessons into your existing programs.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Enhance your confidence and expertise in delivering cybersecurity education with CYBER.ORG's comprehensive instruction and training. Opportunities are available through in-person workshops, conferences, and complimentary webinars at https://cyber.org/workshops-events/events.

• Publicly Accessible Resources: CYBER.ORG also provides valuable resources accessible to a broader audience, which you can share with cadets and their families:

  • CYBER.ORG Families: Introduces students in grades 3-8 to fundamental cybersecurity concepts through self-paced, engaging activities, Cyber Safety video series, and comics focused on internet safety. Find these at https://cyber.org/families.
  • CYBER.ORG Career Exploration: Offers insights into cybersecurity career pathways, including information on necessary degrees, relevant certifications (such as CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+), and potential professional roles. Explore careers at https://cyber.org/career-exploration.

How to Get Started

Civil Air Patrol Senior Members and Educators are encouraged to apply for access to CYBER.ORG's exclusive curricula and resources by visiting https://cyber.org/find-curricula.

Important Application Tips:

• Please use your official CAP email address or your school email address during registration to ensure verification.
• You'll be asked to provide information about your role (volunteer), career field, and the name of your volunteering organization (Civil Air Patrol).
• Be ready to share your experience in teaching computer science and cybersecurity, and an estimated number of students who will benefit from these materials.
• Please allow 2-3 business days for your application to be reviewed, after which you'll receive a login link.

We believe this partnership with CYBER.ORG will significantly enhance our ability to provide cutting-edge cybersecurity education to our cadets and members, aligning perfectly with our commitment to STEM education and preparing the next generation for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

We encourage you to explore these invaluable resources today! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us at ae@capnhq.gov

Key links:

Member Registration Step-by-Step Instructions

Cyber.org List of Recommended Curricula