Q&A: How the National Security Agency is Building the Next Generation of Cyber Stars – EdTech Magazine: Focus on K-12

EDTECH:What is your background, and how did you get involved with GenCyber?

Greeley:I have 15 years of classroom experience, including teaching Advanced Placement U.S. history and U.S. government, and I spent about 20 years coaching basketball. GenCyber launched in 2014 as a pilot, and I started working with them in a support role in 2015.

I love teaching, and I wasnt looking to leave the classroom, but I grew to love cybersecurity education. Since 2018, Ive worked at the National Cryptologic School at the NSA.

Greeley:GenCyber is a federally supported program that gives grants to postsecondary institutions to host student, teacher or student/teacher programs in cybersecurity. Were looking at a shortfall of about half a million cybersecurity positions in the United States. So, this program works to make better cybersecurity citizens and, hopefully, teach students who are interested in cybersecurity that there is a career out there for them.

One of the greatest things about cybersecurity is that it is multidisciplinary. Its for STEM students, but also for liberal arts-minded students. A lot of times, GenCyber is the first touchpoint for students and teachers in cybersecurity.

FIND OUT MORE:How can OpSec benefit K12 schools and district leaders?

Greeley:My favorite part of GenCyber is that every program looks different because it is based on the local K12 ecosystem. A GenCyber program in Northern Virginia is going to look a lot different than a GenCyber program in Iowa.

Each institution must have certain pillars. We require that they base their curriculum on six principles: confidentiality, integrity, availability, defense in depth, thinking like an adversary and keeping it simple. We also require that they teach cyber ethics, and they must have at least one unit on careers.

Greeley:Historically, theyve been weeklong summer camps. We now require institutions to also host pre-camp and post-camp events. Were trying to build more year-round engagement, particularly since we know that K12 cybersecurity opportunities for students and teachers are still somewhat scarce.

Greeley:In my opinion, its never too early, because students are getting devices at younger and younger ages. Anytime students have access to devices, cybersecurity conversations should occur. Because we partner with higher education institutions and focus on college and career readiness, we focus more on middle and high school students.

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Q&A: How the National Security Agency is Building the Next Generation of Cyber Stars - EdTech Magazine: Focus on K-12