Indiana will launch a first-of-its-kind military-aligned cybersecurity education pathway in June 2025, connecting high school students with advanced coursework, industry experience, and direct mentorship from the Indiana National Guard. The program allows students to earn any of the state's new diploma seals, which qualify graduates for college enrollment, immediate employment, or military enlistment in cybersecurity specialties. Education Secretary Katie Jenner will present the initiative at the Reagan Institute in Washington, D.C., marking its official launch.
The pathway combines AP Computer Science Principles: Cybersecurity or Project Lead the Way cybersecurity courses with hands-on work experience in the cybersecurity sector. Unlike Indiana's existing diploma pathways, which have focused separately on college preparation or military service through JROTC and ASVAB testing, this program bridges all three options. Students can pursue whichever direction fits their goals after completing the same foundational training.
Currently, only 69 Indiana schools offer AP or PLTW cybersecurity classes to approximately 560 students. The state plans to expand availability to 200 schools serving 4,000 students within three years. The AP cybersecurity courses are part of the College Board's new Career Kickstart program, which piloted during the 2025-26 school year alongside AP Business with Personal Finance.
Lt. Col. Brent Nelson of the Indiana National Guard told the state board that cybersecurity threats affect far more than military operations. Healthcare systems, utilities, academic institutions, and private industry all face risks from attacks that can originate anywhere in the world and impact entire populations. The announcement came days after a cyberattack disrupted a learning management system used by Indiana University and other schools, highlighting the immediate relevance of the workforce gap.
Both education and military officials emphasized the urgent need for trained cybersecurity professionals across all sectors. The pathway aims to create a pipeline of qualified candidates who can defend critical infrastructure and respond to threats that increasingly affect daily life. Schools interested in offering the program can begin planning for implementation as the state rolls out expanded course access over the next three years.
Source: https://indianaeconomicdigest.net/Content/Default/Also-In-The-News/Article/Indiana-wants-more-students-to-pursue-cybersecurity-careers-after-high-school-Here-s-how/-3/5307/121461