Project REACH

While the nation faces a growing need to fill a gap in the cyber-workforce, there is a greater need for the nation to address the lack of diversity seen in cyber professions. CYBER.ORG addresses this need by partnering with Minority Serving Institutions, as well as other non-profit organizations, with the goal of increasing representation in cybersecurity college programs and careers. Everyone has a role to play to achieve this goal. Contact us to learn more about yours.

REACH Out

Project REACH (Realizing Equitable Access to Cybersecurity in High School) is a feeder program that connects K12 schools to minority-serving institutions' cybersecurity and computer science programs in an effort to close the diversity gap in cybersecurity. CYBER.ORG facilitates the relationship between high school classrooms and their local minority-serving institutions through cybersecurity activities, classroom support, campus visits, and more.

CISA

Funded by Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

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The Approach

Relevant Coursework

Activities are developed to thoughtfully connect minority and Gen Z students to cyber careers.

Empowered Teachers

Participating K-12 schools are provided with ongoing, tailored cybersecurity professional development for their teachers.

Invested Students

Prospective students build a relationship with minority serving institutions, envisioning campus life and getting a glimpse of minority serving institution school spirit.

The Right Connections

CYBER.ORG facilitates programming between K-12 and minority serving institutions with collaboration from cybersecurity professionals.

Hear from Project REACH Schools

Mr. Joseph Rossum

High School Teacher

“Not only has Project REACH allowed my students to garner a new perspective on technology, but it has also increased their social capital by letting them attend organized field trips and seminars about starting careers in the Cyber industry.”

Dr. Matthew Mitchell

High School Principal

“The transition to college can be daunting for high school students. Through Project REACH, our students are getting familiar with an HBCU in our region and starting to envision their futures as cybersecurity students. We love seeing their confidence and curiosity grow!”

Mrs. Tia Young

High School Teacher

"The technology and professional development provided by Project REACH have really been a great asset to my class! My students that were a little hesitant are now excited to learn about cybersecurity."

Dr. Darius Watson, Ph.D.

Executive Director of Academic Initiatives

"The opportunity to participate in Project REACH has been transformative for both Lincoln University and its partners. Through its well-developed curriculum and support frameworks, as well as the outstanding guidance being offered by its personnel, Project REACH has quickly become a critical component of Lincoln University's broader development of its' new Security Sciences Institute."

Project REACH in Northwest Louisiana

A pilot program funded by National Security Agency (NSA) is active in Northwest Louisiana, serving Huntington High School, Southwood High School, Woodlawn High School, Turner Elementary/Middle, Keithville Elementary/Middle, and Broadmoor STEM Academy of Caddo Parish Public Schools. Course offerings are intended to raise students’ foundational and technical skills in cybersecurity and increase freshman enrollment in Grambling State University, specifically in cybersecurity.

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High School Benefits

K12 teachers will have unlimited access to curricula and supportive classroom materials
Students can earn industry-based certification before graduating
Teachers can receive custom professional development
High schools receive ongoing program facilitation from CYBER.ORG cyber education specialists

Minority Serving Institution Benefits

Minority serving institutions showcase their programs and degree opportunities to prospective students in the region
Partnerships with K12 high schools help build a steady stream of degree seekers
Students and faculty benefit from expanded community and service-learning opportunities
Minority serving institution cybersecurity students are prepared for employment through research projects and internships

Want to Learn More?

Our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about project REACH.

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