2026 Virginia Cybersecurity Education Conference

Building Cyber Literacy Pipelines: Engaging K–12 Schools Through Real-World Experiences explores how to move students beyond basic awareness into meaningful engagement with cybersecurity through hands-on, applied learning. This session highlights a scalable model that integrates foundational curriculum with immersive experiences such as simulations, competitions, and interactive challenges to build critical thinking, problem-solving, and career awareness.
Grounded in programs like Cyber Saturday, Cyber Feud, and the Outsmart Cyberthreats (OC) Booklet, this session demonstrates how real-world experiences can strengthen cyber literacy while aligning with workforce frameworks such as NICE. Participants will gain insight into how to design and implement engaging cybersecurity learning opportunities that are accessible across grade levels and adaptable to both in-school and out-of-school settings.
This session is designed for K–12 educators, school and district leaders and workforce development partners seeking practical strategies to introduce or expand cybersecurity education. Attendees will leave with actionable approaches to increase student engagement, integrate cybersecurity into existing curricula, and build sustainable pipelines that connect classroom learning to future career pathways.