The State of Cybersecurity Programs in High Schools: A Case Study Analysis of Their Development, Sustainment, and Inclusiveness

Abstract

As the field of cybersecurity evolves, so does the field of cybersecurity education. Formal instruction of cybersecurity-related concepts has migrated down to the secondary level, with high schools around the country looking for ways to integrate cybersecurity programs into their existing student offerings. This paper provides the findings of case study research at four high school cybersecurity programs in order to understand how these programs were developed and sustained and their inclusiveness of students from underrepresented, vulnerable, and underserved populations. It provides a brief background of cybersecurity education at the secondary level, describes the methodology used, and provides data analysis and results. Included are recommendations for further study.