§665f Cybersecurity Education and Training Programs

Summary

Creates the Cybersecurity Education and Training Assistance Program (CETAP) inside the Agency to help build a stronger national cybersecurity workforce by supporting cybersecurity learning in elementary and secondary schools. CETAP will provide basic cyber awareness and literacy, encourage career exploration, and help teach cyber skills. The Director must make and share school-ready curricula and career materials, train teachers, build teaching resources, run student programs like camps, work with State and local education agencies so offerings fit local curricula, link with the Department’s college and workforce programs, back national K–12 cyber standards, team up with outside cyber and education groups, and do other steps needed to meet these goals. CETAP must be rolled out across the country with special attention to underserved communities. Within 1 year of starting CETAP, and every year after, the Secretary must brief the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on Homeland Security. Each briefing must include numbers of students and teachers reached; outreach and State/local engagement; details on grants or cooperative agreements (including how they help underserved areas); new curricula and teacher training platforms; and coordination with post‑secondary and workforce programs. The Director may use appropriated funds for promotion and recognition, and may award grants or cooperative agreements to States, local governments, institutions of higher education (as defined in section 1001 of title 20), nonprofits, and other non‑Federal entities to fund CETAP activities and address the national shortage of cybersecurity professionals.