Cybersecurity Education and Training Assistance Program (CETAP): Expansion of a Portable Cybersecurity Education Teacher-Focused Model

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has the lead for the federal government in securing civilian government computer systems, and works with industry and state, local, tribal and territorial governments to secure critical infrastructure and information systems by: *analyzing and reducing cyber threats and vulnerabilities *distributing threat warnings *coordinating the response to cyber incidents to ensure that our computers, networks, and cyber systems remain safe Furthermore, Presidential Policy Directive 21 requires DHS to serve as the focal point for the security of cyberspace. Within DHS, the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) Office of Cybersecurity and Communications (CS&C) works to enhance the security, resiliency, and reliability of the National s cyber and communications infrastructure. The DHS Cybersecurity Education and Awareness Branch (CE&A) manages programs to develop the highly-skilled cybersecurity professionals needed to secure the national cyber infrastructure and information systems. Consequently, CE&A is seeking to make an investment to promote cybersecurity training and awareness for elementary, middle, and high school aged students and their teachers. Additionally, to optimize and expand existing cybersecurity education programs, a comprehensive engagement strategy is needed to reach those K-12 educators. By investing in the number of young people who will benefit from cybersecurity education and awareness, the return on investment will be multiplied. Increasing the number of graduates of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines is key to the success of our nation. Furthermore, the recruitment and retention of individuals with these skills is an important element in the development of our National cybersecurity workforce.