Help Build the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Talent

The U.S. needs more cybersecurity talent. Your high school can help by giving students in grades 10–12 earlier access to technical, career-connected learning that builds confidence, digital responsibility, and workforce-ready skills. Download the PLTW Cybersecurity course outline to see how this full-year high school course can support computer science, STEM, and CTE pathways in your district.

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Develop Cybersecurity Skills Before Graduation

In an ever-changing digital landscape, students need more than digital awareness; they need to understand how digital systems work and how to keep them safe. With access to collaborative learning experiences that mirror real cybersecurity workflows and scenarios, students can build a robust set of career-ready durable and technical skills that stand out to employers.

PLTW Cybersecurity students gain deep industry knowledge that's immediately applicable in the workplace.

threat_intelligence_24dp_3E34D9_FILL1_wght400_GRAD0_opsz24  Threat Identification

vpn_lock_24dp_3E34D9_FILL1_wght400_GRAD0_opsz24  Intrusion Protection

network_node_24dp_3E34D9_FILL1_wght400_GRAD0_opsz24  Network Protection

security_24dp_3E34D9_FILL1_wght400_GRAD0_opsz24  Security Protocols

shield_radar_24dp_3E34D9_FILL1_wght400_GRAD0_opsz24  Digital Forensics

account_circle_off_24dp_3E34D9_FILL1_wght400_GRAD0_opsz24  Access Management

Add Technical Depth to Your Cybersecurity Career Pathway

Strong cybersecurity curriculum and computer science pathways should expand work-based learning options and boost enrollment in related programs of study. PLTW Cybersecurity provides a complete solution to strengthen academic outcomes and get students excited about their future.

Throughout the full-year course, teachers can use the flexible curriculum to explore the industry tools and technical concepts cybersecurity professionals use in the real world, including: 

  • Authentication and access authorization

  • File system organization and protection

  • Network traffic analysis

  • Malware signatures and symptoms

  • Operating system resources for network configuration

  • Digital forensics techniques

  • Network visualization and topology tools

  • Penetration testing software

  • Packet analysis software

FY26-150 National Cyber IMG

FY26-148-IN Cyber Outline IMG

See a detailed list of the activities, projects, and problems in the PLTW Cybersecurity course.
Download Course Outline

Expand Options for Credentials, Certifications and College Credit

Industry-recognized credentials and certifications (IRCs) show students have the skills and technical knowledge to be successful in certain job roles. Some exams provide credit or advanced standing in degree programs, while others open the door for internships and employment opportunities.

See How PLTW Aligns with IRCs

Annual Participation Fee

$799

Professional Development

$2,400

Equipment and Supplies

Price varies based on your needs. Contact us today to customize your implementation plan.

Pricing is for informational purposes only and is subject to change.

Frequently Asked Questions About High School Cybersecurity

  Why should high schools offer cybersecurity education?  

High schools can help students build early awareness of cybersecurity careers while developing skills for college, credentials exams, the workforce, and everyday digital life. A strong high school cybersecurity curriculum introduces students to topics such as privacy, system vulnerabilities, network security, applied security, and ethical computing behavior. It also helps students practice problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking in real-world digital security scenarios.

  How does high school cybersecurity education support postsecondary and career readiness?  

Cybersecurity education helps students connect classroom learning to future pathways in computer science, CTE, STEM, industry credentials such as CompTIA Security+, postsecondary programs, and high-demand technical careers. Through hands-on learning, students can explore how cybersecurity professionals protect information, analyze risks, address vulnerabilities, and make ethical decisions. This gives students a stronger foundation before they pursue college programs, certifications, work-based learning, internships, or entry-level career opportunities.

  What should decision makers look for in a high school cybersecurity curriculum?  

School leaders should look for a cybersecurity course curriculum that goes beyond digital safety awareness. Strong cybersecurity curriculum courses for high school students should include technical depth, real-world scenarios, ethical computing behavior, student collaboration, teacher training, and connections to a broader cybersecurity career pathway. PLTW Cybersecurity course materials highlight real-life scenarios across personal, system, network, and applied security, along with privacy, vulnerabilities, encryption, and information protection.

  What areas of cybersecurity should high school pathways explore?  

Students need to learn about cybersecurity career pathway options to help students choose the specific sector or job they want to pursue. Areas of focus for high school cybersecurity that teaches technical skills should offer experiences related to information security, data abstraction, computer systems and networks, security algorithms, threat investigation, and industry-standard tools.

  How does adding a cybersecurity course help schools support standards, STEM and CTE goals, and state requirements?  

For high school leaders and educators, cybersecurity curriculum and courses for high school students should support more than one classroom, helping schools add value by broadening career-connected learning that supports workforce development. For example, a course like PLTW Cybersecurity can help schools:

  • Build or expand a cybersecurity career pathway
  • Strengthen high school computer science curricula
  • Support STEM and CTE programs of study
  • Connect learning to high-demand cybersecurity careers
  • Give students hands-on experience with real-world security tools and concepts
  • Support teacher confidence through structured curriculum and training

See What Students Can Learn in PLTW Cybersecurity

Download the course outline to review how this teacher-ready curriculum helps students explore technical concepts, apply their skills, and prepare for future careers.