This is just one of the many efforts CYBER.ORG has been a part of in promoting K-12 cybersecurity education. Cybersecurity is a critical and rapidly growing field with thousands of unfilled positions throughout the U.S. But K-12 education can play a key role in addressing this shortage. Currently, less than half of K-12 students in the U.S. receive any cybersecurity education according to an EdWeek Research study in 2020, making cybersecurity activities like these a critical part of education.

The competition was huge success with a record-breaking total of 1,425 competitors from 43 different states! This is an impressive turnout considering the competition took place following the busy holiday season. We want to congratulate the following winners:

• 1st Place – Ethan Ho from Franklin High School in Elk Grove, CA 
• 2nd Place – Carter Costic from Red Bank Region High School in Little Silver, New Jersey
• 3rd Place – Liam Denehan from Airline High School in Bossier City, LA
• 4th Place – Ramie Kasabali from Bossier Parish School for Technology and Innovative Learning in Bossier City, LA
• 5th Place – Sean Bell from Bossier Parish School for Technology and Innovative Learning in Bossier City, LA 

We are excited to share each winner will receive a generous technology donation to their high school provided by the Cybersecurity Youth Apprenticeship Initiative, an effort administered by ICF and funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. These donations will be key to continunuing to promote careers in cyber at the high school level.

Cybersecurity jobs are among the fastest-growing occupations in the world, and CYBER.ORG works tirelessly to expand the talent pipeline through K-12 education.

Congratulations again to these teams and to all the students who competed – we are excited to see the next generation of cybersecurity professionals evolving before our eyes!