2026 Virginia Cybersecurity Education Conference

The Department of War's Cyber Academic Engagement Office (CAEO) serves as a vital bridge between our nation's most pressing security needs and the educational institutions that will solve them. Tasked with inspiring and cultivating the next generation of cyber talent, the CAEO is committed to building a "seamless ecosystem" that supports students from their first K-12 cyber club to a high-impact career in public service.
This session will explore how the DoW is partnering with educators through initiatives like CyberPatriot, the Cyber Service Academy (CSA) scholarship program, and the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) framework. We will discuss how aligning curriculum with these blueprints enhances graduate employability and directly supports the Department's shift toward skills-based hiring. Looking ahead to initiatives like AI4WARD and our Strategic Foresight efforts, attendees will learn how K-12 and higher education stakeholders can collaborate with the DoW to elevate their programs, empower their students, and build a resilient digital workforce for the future.