STEM: On ramping High School Students to Cybersecurity Career Readiness Through Game-based Learning and Immersive Career Connected Learning Experiences
Abstract
Problem Statement: The US Department of Defense is facing a 24% shortfall in Cybersecurity skilled personnel1. This problem is exacerbated even more under the Department of the Navy, where there have been long standing challenges in meeting the demands for highlyskilled cybersecurity workforce. To help close this gap, an accelerated effort is needed to increase cybersecurity and computer science foundational knowledge, and readiness among more military connected youth who enter the cybersecurity career pipeline. ProposedInnovation: Meucci & Company (Meucci), proposes rigorous educator capacity building initiative that will support an immersive cybersecurity learning experience to connect more youth in military connected high schools to cybersecurity career pathways. The student learning experience will be highlighted by Minecraft Cybersecurity, a game-based curriculum developed by the Microsoft Education team, specifically designed as a low barrier method to get more youth interested in Cybersecurity. The Minecraft Cybersecurity learning experience will be complimented by the more conventional Cyber.org high school cybersecurity curricula and cyber range lab work. Together, Minecraft and Cyber.org will round out a progressive and complete, semester and year-long learning experience for students.Objective: This program is aimed at strengthening cybersecurity foundational education and career connected learning among studentsenrolled at schools that serve naval base families across the US. The project#s main beneficiaries are:1. high-school students2. educatorsIn addition, the program will use inclusive strategies to ensure student participation among historically underrepresented groups in computer science such as women and racial and ethnic minorities (African American/Black, Latino, and Native American/Indigenous). This will involve ensuring partnerships with schools that also have diverse student profiles. The program#s major objectives are as follows.# Military-connected schools are supported in the adoption of cybersecurity curriculums# Educators have the professional development and confidence to teach an integrated cybersecurity curriculum# High-school students benefit from positive cybersecurity learning experiences leading to (1) increased cybersecurity awareness, (2) confidence in computer science learning, and (3) the foundational knowledge and readiness to enter the cybersecurity career pipeline. # High school students, in particular, underrepresented youth, (1) express interest and confidence in cybersecurity career careers, (2) obtaining career relevant certifications, and (3) pursue higher education plans for cybersecurity
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 15, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412315
Entities
People
- Stacey Rudolph
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy