Special thanks to TEDCO and the Equitech Growth Fund for their generous support in powering this major expansion! Through their commitment to fostering inclusive workforce development in emerging technologies like cybersecurity and AI—as part of the Cultivate Maryland initiative—TEDCO is helping ensure that educators and students in underserved communities across Maryland gain equitable access to the high-quality resources and opportunities needed to thrive in tomorrow’s tech landscape.
We’re thrilled to announce this milestone and exciting next chapter for Cyber SyncED, a collaborative initiative between the Army Research Laboratory, University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), and the Energetics Technology Center. The program is dedicated to building a stronger, more inclusive cybersecurity workforce by empowering educators and students with essential knowledge in cybersecurity, AI innovation, data privacy, online safety, ethical technology use, and more—making these critical topics accessible even in non-STEM classrooms.
Since launching its educator-focused efforts in September 2024, Cyber SyncED has already made a significant impact:
- Hosted 10 CyberTEACH cohorts — These specialized training programs equip non-technical middle and high school teachers (grades 7–12) with the tools and confidence to integrate cybersecurity and AI concepts into their existing subjects, whether English, history, art, or beyond. Through hands-on sessions, educators explore real-world applications like cybersecurity awareness, data privacy, ethical AI use, and online safety.
- Delivered 3 CyberLEARN high school bootcamps — These immersive experiences provide high school students with engaging, practical learning opportunities, including virtual escape rooms, simulated cyberattacks, and interactive activities designed to spark interest and build foundational cyber skills.
- Delivered 2 CyberLEARN middle school after-school programs — These targeted programs introduced more than 20 middle school students to the exciting world of cybersecurity through fun, age-appropriate activities, successfully inspiring many of them to pursue the cybersecurity track when they enter high school.
Together, these efforts have reached over 250 educators and more than 100 high school students, creating a ripple effect as trained teachers bring cyber literacy to thousands of students across Maryland and beyond.