The cybersecurity job market is in dire need of workers which is great news for central Texas students.
K-12 Cybersecurity Pathways Program
We live in a digital world and jobs that focus on securing one’s online presence are exploding. Beginning in the fall 2026 semester, eight central Texas school districts will offer cybersecurity classes via a Baylor University partnership with the Central Texas Cyber Hub. The program offers ninth graders a four-year curriculum that will lay out the groundwork for a career in the cybersecurity field.
Rural Schools Can Now Compete with Urban District Programs
The K-12 Cybersecurity Pathways Program offers rural students an opportunity to learn about cybersecurity in the years leading up to their choosing a college major. The eight districts chosen to launch the program are Bosqueville ISD, Chilton ISD, Hubbard ISD, Marlin ISD, McGregor ISD, Moody ISD, Morgan ISD, and West ISD.
Students Are All In For the Program
Jennifer Millsap, the academic advisor at McGregor High School Academic Advisor Jennifer Millsap tells KWTX that students want to learn how to code and learn about cybersecurity, but up until now, there was nothing available. Completion of the four-year program comes with industry certification which is required for employment.
According to KWTX, the program will gradually expand to more districts and more grade levels…eventually being offered in some form from grades K-8. Elementary and Program leaders plan to gradually expand the initiative to more districts in the area and additional grade levels. Cybersecurity information tailored to elementary and junior high school students would be offered to prepare the students for the course offered in high school.
The Top Undergraduate Computer Science Programs for Cybersecurity
According to U.S. News and World Report, the highest rated universities for pursuing a career in cybersecurity are:…