The Internet Keep Safe Coalition (iKeepSafe) was proud to host the NICE K12 Cybersecurity Education Conference at the La Cantera Resort and Spa in San Antonio, Texas on December 9-10, 2024. The mission of this annual conference is to inspire a cybersecurity workforce for the digital age. It convened stakeholders across K12 education, higher education, students, government, industry, research, and nonprofits that are working to develop opportunities and competencies in K12 STEM programming, specifically in cybersecurity. The conference expands a national effort to document the K12 cybersecurity education programs on-going throughout the country and to address the goal: to develop a comprehensive agenda focused on the challenges of cybersecurity education at the K12 level.
The conference featured several prominent speakers and panelists.
On Sunday, participants had the option to attend pre-conference workshops. Then, throughout Monday and Tuesday, they had a myriad of break out sessions to choose from. All of the speakers offered multiple perspectives on a wide range of topics exploring the themes of career awareness, infusing cybersecurity across the education portfolio, innovative educational approaches, academic and career pathways, and cybersecurity awareness.
Monday afternoon the general session celebrated National Cyber Signing Day as a way to increase awareness of cybersecurity career options and pathways available to K – 12th grade students. The event this year showcased six students who have participated in or will soon be participating in cybersecurity-related internships, apprenticeships, training, and certifications. A recording of this year’s National Cyber Signing Day will be made available on the official National Cyber Signing Day website. Learn more and access recordings of previous National Cyber Signing Days at nationalcybersigningday.org.
The evening social held on Monday night was a highlight as well. Attendees enjoyed drinks, good food, and a comedian together.
Tuesday afternoon, the general lunch session included this year’s Presidential Cybersecurity Education Award winners. The award is presented annually to two teachers – one at the elementary or middle school level and another at the secondary level – who demonstrate superior achievement in instilling skills, knowledge, and passion with respect to cybersecurity and cybersecurity-related subjects. The award recognizes demonstrated superior educator accomplishment as well as academic achievement by the educator’s students. Congratulations to this year’s award winners, who were recognized during a fireside chat at the conference! Jessica Tickle, Center for Academic Achievement, KS and Kathryn Green, Zachry Magnet Middle School, TX.
With nearly 500 attendees, 8 pre-conference workshops, 32 breakout sessions in 4 tracks, several keynotes, and 25 exhibitors, the NICE K12 Cybersecurity Education Conference was highly successful. Throughout the event and in post-event communications many attendees expressed how useful it was to hear successful K12 cybersecurity education models being employed nationwide, and how valuable the networking opportunities were.
iKeepSafe appreciates CIAS, Palo Alto Networks, Alamo AFCEA Stem Education Foundation, Sentinel One, and our other sponsors. We are looking forward to reconvening next year for the 2025 Conference on December 8-9th in Nashville, TN! Stay tuned for future updates with more details.