Tell us about your company and the problem it solves, or its benefit to learners or educators.
At CYBER.ORG, our mission is to equip K–12 educators with no-cost cybersecurity and AI curriculum that prepares students for the digital world they are growing up in and future workforce. One of the biggest problems we address is the lack of early exposure to cybersecurity education. Too often, students don’t encounter cybersecurity concepts until college, if at all, which means we lose years of opportunity to spark interest, build foundational knowledge, and help them envision careers in this critical field.
We solve this by providing educators with ready-to-use resources, professional development, and tools like the CYBER.ORG Range, a safe, cloud-based environment where students can practice cybersecurity skills without expensive equipment. Our approach benefits both learners and educators: teachers gain confidence in bringing new, high-demand topics into their classrooms, and students gain access to opportunities that can truly shape their futures.
What is the challenge educators face today that is fixable?
One challenge I see every day is the availability of resources and training for teachers in rural America. Educators are eager and are being asked to prepare students for a world shaped by technology, AI and cybersecurity, but many educators don’t always have the professional development or curriculum support to feel confident doing so.
This challenge is fixable, and at CYBER.ORG, that’s where we focus. By providing high quality curriculum and training, we’re creating opportunities for teachers who want to introduce their students to cybersecurity and AI. When you empower teachers with both content and confidence, one educator can impact hundreds of students, unlocking a ripple effect that benefits entire classrooms and communities nationwide.
What is the challenge educators face today that will persist?
A challenge that I believe will persist is ensuring that all students are prepared to benefit from the technology tools and programs that are shaping the future workforce. While technology is advancing rapidly, schools and districts continue to face hurdles in upgrading infrastructure, securing reliable connectivity, and providing training and support for teachers. Rural and smaller communities, in particular, often deal with unique logistical and resource challenges. Addressing these barriers is essential if we want every student—no matter where they live—to build the skills needed for success in a technology-driven economy.
What are the areas of education or training and workforce development that are being overlooked?
One overlooked area is early exposure to workforce pathways. We talk a lot about the “skills gap” in cybersecurity, but the truth is that we often wait until students are in college to talk about what careers in cybersecurity actually look like. By then, many students have already made decisions that steer them away from tech fields.
I believe we need to be showing students as early as kindergarten their skills in problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking connect to real-world cybersecurity careers. This isn’t just about producing future professionals — it’s about helping students see themselves in spaces where they might not have thought they belonged. Early exposure, mentorship, and hands-on experiences can make all the difference.
What do you foresee will be a challenge in education in three to five years?
In the next three to five years, I think one of the greatest challenges will be keeping pace with the rapid evolution of technology. Artificial intelligence, data privacy concerns, and the constant emergence of new digital tools will require educators to continuously adapt — and that can feel overwhelming without the right support.
For example, as AI becomes more integrated into classrooms and workplaces, students will need to understand both its potential and its risks. Educators will need guidance, professional development, and resources to teach these concepts effectively. At CYBER.ORG, we’re committed to staying ahead of these shifts, so we can continue giving teachers the tools they need to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.