Cyber Summits: Bridging Education and Industry
The Premier Cybersecurity Competition
for Work-Based Learning
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Industry Participation Includes
Securing Future Pathways
The Work ED Cyber Summit offers a portable, flexible, and scalable invitational competition designed for seamless deployment from the classroom to the regional stage. We simplify the process by empowering educators through professional development, providing students with hands-on experience in a live cyber range, and fostering industry and educational partnerships. This community-focused event offers real-world, work-based learning and has proven to be a successful solution for boosting cybersecurity and computer science enrollment.
Description
The Work ED Cyber Summits are premier regional cybersecurity invitational competitions designed to bridge the gap between education and industry by providing students with real-world, work-based learning opportunities. Powered by Work ED in collaboration with key partners in K-12 education, CTE, Community Colleges, Local Industry, NGOs, and corporate sponsors, this event is a cornerstone of our comprehensive cybersecurity education strategy.
Cyber Summit “Invitational” Core Tenants
Community Focused: Industry & Education Partnerships
National Framework: NICE & CTE Curriculum Alignment
Professional Development: Students & Coaches Digital Badges
The WHAT
A premier event connecting education and industry through challenges for middle school, high school, and college students. Proven to boost cybersecurity and computer science enrollment, the invitational also promotes digital equity, self-efficacy, and team-based learning, as well as coaches training.
For Students
Students explore and acquire the skills and experiences necessary through hands-on experiences, competing in a cyber range, and fostering critical thinking.For Coaches
Coaches gain insights into real-world trends and collaborate with professionals to enhance their teaching practices. Learn to teach “Ethical” cybersecurity alongside the acquisition of technical skills.
The WHY
To empower students to become resilient, adaptive designers of their own careers, we equip them with the critical, future-forward skills needed to shape their digital world proactively rather than be disrupted by it.
Foster Growth Mindset & Self-Efficacy
We build students’ confidence to see setbacks as learning opportunities so they can adapt, persist, and grow.Cultivate Ethical, Human-Centered Innovation
We ground tech skills in ethical reasoning and human-centered design so students create solutions that are responsible, equitable, and beneficial for society.
The HOW
Work ED Cyber Summits are interdisciplinary cybersecurity competitions that bridge education and industry, empowering students with real-world, work-based learning through engaging challenges. The Summits are a strategy to equip the next generation with future-forward skills in emerging technologies.
Integrate Industry-Current Tools & Scenarios
We build challenges with industry partners so students use real tools and realistic scenarios, gaining workforce-ready, demonstrable skills.Provide Mentorship & Feedback Loops
We pair student teams with active cybersecurity professionals who offer guidance, critiques, and debriefs that turn challenge performance into career-ready insights and connections.