Alabama schools form regional alliance for student-centered cybersecurity career pathways

When Seth Walker began attending Lincoln High School’s cybersecurity class in Talladega, Alabama, he felt uncertain about his abilities. “I didn’t have any IT experience, and everyone else seemed so far ahead of me,” he said. “So, I let that motivate me to learn the craft and keep up.”

Walker’s interest in cybersecurity grew through high school internships and mentorship from his teacher, Brian Kelly. Now a freshman at Troy University studying cybersecurity and working toward his CompTIA Security+ certification, Walker credits these experiences with shaping his career direction. “I saw firsthand how cybersecurity looks in different environments,” Walker said. “It made me realize this is something I can really build a future in.”

In 2023, Talladega County Schools joined Digital Promise’s Cybersecurity Pathways Cohort to address workforce needs in technology fields. The district later partnered with nearby school systems—including Talladega City, Anniston City, Etowah County, Oxford City, St. Clair County and Sylacauga City—to form the East Alabama Regional Cybersecurity Alliance (EARCA). This alliance collaborates with local colleges and industry partners to develop regional talent.

Together, EARCA created a student-focused cybersecurity pathway serving over 33,000 students across East Alabama. The model includes shared curriculum resources, professional development for teachers and partnerships with employers to help students transition into tech careers.

With an estimated 8,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in Alabama and approximately 750,000 open positions nationwide according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics—and average salaries around $90,000—these efforts aim to connect education directly to employment opportunities.

“The cybersecurity pathway gives students a clear direction and a chance to stay and work here in Alabama,” said Darian Simmons, career tech director at Talladega City Schools.

Brian Kelly launched Lincoln High’s program after years working in IT support roles. He encourages other educators: “My advice to other teachers is to just jump in. The more you’re exposed to AI and cybersecurity, the more comfortable you get. Learn with your students. Do the competitions. Figure it out together.”

Kelly structures his classes around group problem-solving before offering assistance himself—a method reinforced by participation in competitions like CyberPatriot and SkillsUSA.

Hands-on projects are central to the curriculum; for example, students use devices such as programmable USB drives (“rubber duckies”) for lessons on digital security risks and protections. They also utilize IBM SkillsBuild—a free online platform offering courses on cybersecurity basics—for self-paced learning.

Walker described IBM SkillsBuild as pivotal during his first semester: “There is no better foundation for hardware, networking and software basics.”

Teachers benefit from monthly EARCA meetings where they share resources and align their teaching with current workforce needs. At Lincoln High School this translates into practical activities such as analyzing phishing emails or designing defense strategies.

Similar approaches are seen elsewhere; Kansas City instructor Shineta Horton emphasized that teacher confidence influences student engagement: “If we want students to use technology ethically and creatively, teachers have to feel confident exploring it first,” she said.

Both Kelly and Horton agree that adaptability is crucial: “The tools will continue to change,” Kelly noted,“but adaptability, communication and persistence are what carry students forward.”

Walker added: “Everyone should have access to this kind of learning… It opens so many doors.”

Looking ahead, Kelly sees growth not only in curriculum but also mindset: “We’re showing students that technology careers aren’t somewhere else… They can build them right here in Alabama.” For Walker,“Cybersecurity gives me a way to make a difference… It’s not just about technology; it’s about protecting people.”

The East Alabama initiative offers an example of how schools can partner regionally with employers for career pathways that support both student success and local economic resilience.