CYPHER
High school students in DeKalb, Newton, and Rockdale counties will soon have the opportunity to launch their careers in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) has received a $473,394 grant from the National Science Foundation to create the CYbersecurity Pathways for High School Education and Readiness (CYPHER) program.
Through this dual enrollment initiative, students can earn 18 college credits over two semesters, completing a Technical Certificate of Credit in Cybersecurity Fundamentals. The program combines classroom instruction in areas such as network security, risk management, and digital forensics with hands-on, real-world learning experiences alongside school partners and industry leaders.
Over the course of three years, GPTC will recruit 135 students into the program, preparing them for immediate entry into the workforce or continued study in the College’s cybersecurity diploma and associate degree programs. The initiative addresses the national demand for diverse, skilled cyber professionals and strengthens the local K-12 to college pipeline.
The first student cohort will launch in Fall 2025, with additional cohorts added through 2028.
For details about GPTC’s cybersecurity programs, visit our program page or contact your high school counselor about dual enrollment opportunities.