Gov. Greg Abbott is urging high school and college students in Texas to participate in cybersecurity programs that offer scholarships to high-performing students. CyberStart America (CSA) and Cyber FastTrack (CFT), sponsored by the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation, provide immersive online cybersecurity programs that help students develop crucial skills for high-demand jobs in the industry.
"As Texas' technology industry continues to grow, it is more important now than ever for Texas to strengthen our cybersecurity workforce and talent development," said Abbott in a press release issued by the Office of the Texas Governor. "These immersive, online cybersecurity programs will help ensure high school and college students have the opportunity to develop crucial skills for high-demand jobs in this critical industry."
The governor emphasized the benefits of CyberStart and Cyber FastTrack, stating that both programs provide pathways to starting a career in cybersecurity. "I encourage Texas students to take advantage of this opportunity to become leaders in this important field. Together, we will continue to build a more secure Texas," Abbott said.
Interested students can now register for the programs, with student play ending on Mar. 15, 2024. Any student in grades 9-12 can join and will have access to over 200 unique security challenges to solve. As they play, students acquire cybersecurity skills and receive credentials in the field.
The collaboration between Texas and CyberStart America began in 2020, and in 2022, the state formed the CyberStart America Texas task force to further strengthen cybersecurity education and workforce development.
By participating in these programs, Texas students have the opportunity to gain valuable skills in cybersecurity and pave the way for a successful career in the growing technology industry.