Empower Your School with In-Demand Cybersecurity Education
Prepare your students for future success and enhance your STEM/CTE offerings with our engaging, hands-on program and included teacher training.
Limited-Time Opportunity: Become a Founding School and Offer RCYC for FREE!
Address the critical need for cybersecurity professionals by offering your students a structured pathway progressing from core concepts to practical application. Raíces Cyber Youth Corps (RCYC) programming includes teacher training, builds essential tech skills and critical thinking, preparing students with in-demand workforce skills for career exploration while enhancing your school's STEM and CTE offerings.
Why Choose RCYC for Your School?
RCYC offers your school a unique and effective solution to introduce foundational cybersecurity skills to your students. We provide a structured, engaging program with hands-on Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges and comprehensive teacher training, making it easy to integrate high-demand tech education into your curriculum.
CTE-Funded & Flexible Integration: Our program is designed to meet criteria for CTE funding eligibility and is designed to seamlessly integrate cybersecurity education into your existing offerings.
Industry-Recognized Curriculum: Kickstart learning with Cisco Networking Academy's "Introduction to Cybersecurity," providing a globally respected foundation.
Hands-On, Engaging Learning: Move beyond theory with practical Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges that make learning cybersecurity concepts fun, competitive, and memorable.
Teacher Training Included: We equip your teachers with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully guide students through the program. No prior cybersecurity expertise required!
Develop In-Demand Skills: Students gain practical experience in OSINT, cryptography, network analysis, and more – skills directly applicable to internships and future careers.
Structured Program: A clear schedule allows for easy planning and student participation.
Program Structure & Schedule
Our program is structured in two key parts, designed for progressive learning and culminating in a practical and immersive experience:
Part 1: Foundational Knowledge (Course powered by Cisco Networking Academy)
Teacher Training: June 24-26, 2025 (Online, 2 hours/day) - Prepares teachers to facilitate the program.
Student Module: Introduction to Cybersecurity: July 1-3, 2025 (Online, 2 hours/day) - Covers core concepts, threats, and protection strategies.
Part 2: Practical Skills & Challenges (How to CTF?)
CTF Introduction & Concepts: July 8, 2025 (Online, 1.5 hours) - Types of CTFs and Challenges.
Hands-On Challenge Sessions: (Online, 1.5 hours/day)
July 9: OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence)
July 10: Cryptography
July 15: Social Engineering Awareness
July 16: Steganography (Hidden Data)
July 17: Networking Fundamentals
July 22: Cybersecurity Logic Puzzles
Capstone Event:
Final CTF Challenge: July 30, 2025 - Students apply learned skills in a competitive environment.
The Critical Need for Cybersecurity Education
Preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of cybersecurity is more critical than ever. RCYC provides your school with the means to address this growing need. Cybersecurity isn't just an IT issue; it's a critical component of modern society and a rapidly growing career field.
Massive Job Market: The demand for cybersecurity professionals far outpaces supply, leading to high-paying job opportunities across all industries. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 33 percent job growth between 2023 and 2033, much faster than the average across all occupations.
Protecting the Future: Equip students with the knowledge to protect themselves, their future employers, and critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
Developing Essential Skills: Beyond tech skills, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical reasoning – valuable in any field.
What Your Students Will Learn & Do
Students progress from understanding cybersecurity principles to actively applying techniques used by professionals in the field.
Core Cybersecurity Concepts: Threats, vulnerabilities, confidentiality, integrity, availability, risk management
Practical CTF Techniques:
OSINT: Gathering information from publicly available sources.
Cryptography: Understanding and cracking basic ciphers and encryption methods.
Social Engineering: Recognizing tactics used to manipulate individuals.
Steganography: Discovering hidden data within files.
Network Analysis: Basic network packet inspection and understanding traffic.
File Forensics: Examining files to uncover hidden information or metadata.
Problem-Solving: Applying logic and analytical skills to solve logic puzzles.
Teamwork & Communication: Collaborating to solve complex challenges.
Benefits Summary
Leverage CTE funding and meet pathway requirements.
Offer industry-recognized Cisco Networking Academy curriculum.
Boost student engagement and enhance your STEM profile with hands-on CTFs.
Implement the program easily with included teacher training for existing staff.
Prepare students effectively for future-proof careers.
A structured and flexible programming that fits into your needs.
Benefits for Schools
Access cutting-edge cybersecurity training.
Gain a respected knowledge base via Cisco Networking Academy, earn badges upon completion.
Develop practical skills in a fun, competitive CTF format.
Learn from well-prepared and supported teachers.
Gain a competitive edge for college and career opportunities.
Enjoy a productive and engaging summer learning experience.
Benefits for Students
Do teachers need prior cybersecurity expertise?
No. We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to equip teachers with the necessary knowledge and resources to successfully facilitate the program.What resources and support are provided to teachers?
Teachers receive detailed lesson plans, access to a resource portal with regularly updated materials, initial training sessions, and ongoing assistance through a dedicated online forum/Discord channel and direct email/phone support. Access to cybersecurity experts is also available via the Discord channel.What are the technical requirements for the program?
The program uses standard school computer labs or student computers with internet connectivity. Students primarily need access to a computer and a web browser for online resources and virtual labs. Any specific software tools needed will be clearly identified, and installation instructions provided.What is the time commitment for teachers?
Teachers will participate in an initial onboarding/training session (approx. 3 hours total across the scheduled dates). Ongoing time commitment involves facilitating the program sessions with students, utilizing the provided materials. We aim for flexible scheduling options.Who is eligible to enroll in the cybersecurity program?
The program is designed for students in grades 9-12. No prior cybersecurity experience is required. Students with an interest in technology, problem-solving, and critical thinking will benefit greatly.What specific cybersecurity skills will students learn?
Students will develop foundational knowledge via the Cisco 'Introduction to Cybersecurity' course. In the ‘How to CTF’ course, they will develop practical skills in areas such as Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), Cryptography, Social Engineering Awareness, Steganography, Networking Fundamentals, Logic Puzzles, and File Forensics through hands-on challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there any certifications offered through the program?
Upon completion of the "Introduction to Cybersecurity" course through the Cisco Networking Academy, students earn a Course Badge from Cisco. While the RCYC program itself doesn't award external certifications like CompTIA Security+, it provides students with a strong foundation and practical experience that helps prepare them for pursuing such industry-recognized certifications independently.
How do schools become a Founding School?
We are selecting a limited number of schools nationwide for our pilot program. Founding Schools receive the complete RCYC program at no cost for the first year. To apply, please visit[link], fill out[form']or contact us at [email]to discuss the benefits and requirements.What is the deadline to apply for the Founding School program?
The deadline to apply is [DATE]. We encourage early applications as spots are limited.What happens after the first year of free access for Founding Schools?
Founding Schools will receive a 20% discount on multi-year partnerships after the first year. We will discuss renewal options with you well in advance to ensure a smooth transition.How is student data privacy handled?
We adhere to strict data privacy and security standards, including full compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and applicable state laws. Industry-standard security measures are implemented to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all student data.