A School Counselor’s Guide to Cybersecurity Pathways

Help Students Discover Their Pathway into Cybersecurity

Join NCWIT and PaTTAN CSinPA initiative for a full-day professional learning experience designed to help middle and high school counselors, CTE advisors, career coaches, educators, and other professionals involved in student advising or cybersecurity career preparation better understand the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity and the educational pathways available to students.

WHEN & WHERE

Date: Friday, October 2, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Location: Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3
Address: 475 E. Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120
*Look for more dates and locations for the Spring of 2027 Sessions.

Click Here to Register

About the Workshop

Cybersecurity careers extend far beyond coding. The field needs individuals with a wide range of interests and skills. These skills include problem-solving, communication, creativity, leadership, risk management, and technical expertise.

Through conversations with K–12 education, higher education, workforce, and industry partners, participants will explore:

• Cybersecurity careers and current workforce trends
• Industry-recognized certifications and credentials
• Career and Technical Education opportunities
• Postsecondary programs and degree pathways
• K–12 learning experiences that prepare students for success
• Strategies for increasing awareness and expanding access to cybersecurity opportunities

Counselors will leave better prepared to help students recognize how their strengths, interests, and experiences can connect to careers in cybersecurity and other technology-related fields.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

• Explore current cybersecurity workforce trends and high-demand career opportunities.
• Identify K–12, postsecondary, certification, and industry pathways available to students interested in cybersecurity.
• Recognize the important role school counselors play in expanding student access to cybersecurity education and careers.
• Examine strategies for promoting equitable and inclusive participation in cybersecurity pathways.
• Access resources that can be used to support career conversations with students and families.

What You’ll Receive

• Insights from expert panelists representing K–12 education, higher education, industry, and workforce development
• Practical strategies and resources for supporting student career exploration
• Information about certifications, CTE programs, and postsecondary pathways
• Free cybersecurity career resources to use with students
• Act 48 professional development hours

No previous cybersecurity experience is required.

If you have any questions, please reach out to csforall@pattan.net.