Cybersecurity Education and Training

The nature of the cybersecurity threat to America is growing and our nation’s cyber adversaries move with speed and stealth. In alignment with the Department of Homeland Security’s Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2020-2024, it is imperative to not only secure cyberspace and critical infrastructure (Goal 3), but also strengthen the security and resilience of critical infrastructure (Objective 3.2). We must, therefore, support the educational development of cybersecurity talent needed to participate as members of the security community working to ensure a safe and secure nation. Section 2220 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (codified as amended at 6 U.S.C. § 665f) establishes a Cybersecurity Education and Training Assistance Program within CISA. The purpose of the CETAP is to support the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) efforts in building and strengthening a national cybersecurity workforce pipeline capacity through enabling elementary and secondary cybersecurity education, including by providing foundational cybersecurity awareness and literacy, encouraging cybersecurity career exploration, and supporting the teaching of cybersecurity skills at the elementary and secondary education levels. To fund these cybersecurity and infrastructure security education and training programs and initiatives, Section 2220 authorizes CISA to award financial assistance in the form of cooperative agreements and grants to carry out the purposes of the CETAP and enhance CETAP to address the national shortfalls of cybersecurity professionals. To accomplish the stated goals in Section 2220, CISA seeks to provide financial assistance under the FY 2024 CETAP for non-federal entities to develop cybersecurity curriculum and professional development opportunities focused on K-12 students and their educators, administrators, and caregivers and engage in outreach efforts to increase cybersecurity awareness within that K-12 community.