High School Outreach

The University of Oregon is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, with a focus on underserved communities. Through our NICE program, we partner with five Oregon high schools serving significant populations of low-income, rural, or minority students, where STEM resources are often limited. Our monthly classroom engagements bring cybersecurity experts and educators to these schools, delivering interactive experiences and equipping teachers with tools to integrate cybersecurity into their lessons.

These sessions empower students with knowledge and confidence, offering practical guidance for pursuing higher education at UO or other state institutions. Each engagement includes:

• Career Highlights: Compelling presentations on roles like security analysts and ethical hackers, outlining diverse professional paths.
• Hands-On Workshops: Practical activities exploring phishing prevention, password security, and coding fundamentals.
• Mentorship Opportunities: Open discussions with professionals sharing insights on college and career planning.
• Educator Resources: Collaborations with teachers to align content with curricula, supported by free materials.
• College Access Guidance: Support for navigating cybersecurity program applications and financial aid options.

Campus Tours: In addition to classroom engagements, NICE organizes campus tours at the University of Oregon to deepen students’ exposure to cybersecurity education. These standalone experiences invite high school students to visit our cutting-edge labs, engage with student organizations, and explore academic life. Tours include tailored sessions on degree programs and scholarships, empowering students to envision their educational journey, particularly those from underserved backgrounds connected through our partnerships.

Request a School Outreach : In addition to our ongoing partnerships, NICE extends an invitation to any Oregon high school to host a one-time outreach presentation. Our team delivers a comprehensive introduction to the NICE program, featuring interactive demonstrations, career-focused discussions, and actionable advice for students and educators. This engaging session highlights cybersecurity’s potential without requiring a long-term commitment, fostering enthusiasm and opportunity in your classroom.

Training the Trainer

The University of Oregon’s NICE program equips high school educators to inspire students through cybersecurity, with a special commitment to underrepresented communities. Our Training the Trainer initiative empowers teachers to deliver a dynamic, industry-aligned cybersecurity course, fostering diversity in a vital field.

At the core of this effort is our Teacher’s Summer Workshop, a free, week-long professional development program for Computer Science educators. Held annually, this immersive training provides hands-on experience, practical tools, and strategies to engage students—particularly juniors and seniors—in cybersecurity careers. No prior expertise is required, welcoming all dedicated educators to make a lasting classroom impact.

Our Curriculum: We have adopted the CAE RING Cybersecurity Curriculum, an NSA-approved framework crafted by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE). This trusted curriculum introduces high school students to essential concepts like digital safety, ethical hacking, and risk management, aligning with national standards for real-world relevance. Our team has tailored it to be age-appropriate, interactive, and engaging, incorporating hands-on exercises that let students apply skills in practical scenarios. This high-impact approach prepares the next generation to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the digital world.

Workshop Benefits: Elevate your teaching with resources and opportunities designed for success:

• Curriculum Mastery: Teach our adapted CAE RING course with confidence, using experiential learning techniques.
• Expert Guidance: Build skills through interactive sessions led by cybersecurity professionals.
• Classroom Tools: Access ready-to-use materials for hands-on, student-centered lessons.
• Educator Network: Connect with peers and experts to share strategies and ideas.
• Professional Recognition: Earn a Certificate of Participation, 40 hours of PDU credit, and an optional 1-unit graduate credit from UO.

Request a Workshop Spot: Ready to transform your classroom with cybersecurity? Our Teacher’s Summer Workshop equips you to inspire students, especially from underserved backgrounds, to explore this exciting field. Whether from one of our partner schools or another Oregon community, this training offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of digital education.

Recruiting and Retention

The University of Oregon’s NICE program is committed to building a diverse cybersecurity workforce by enhancing the recruitment and retention of underrepresented students in our cybersecurity programs. Through targeted outreach and sustained support, we create pathways for students from underserved communities—such as low-income, rural, or minority backgrounds—to thrive in this critical field.

Our efforts focus on breaking down barriers to access and fostering an inclusive environment where all students can succeed. By connecting with future leaders and providing ongoing resources, we aim to diversify the talent pipeline and empower graduates to shape the future of cybersecurity.

Recruitment Strategies: We actively seek out underrepresented students to join our cybersecurity programs through:

• Community Outreach: Partnering with high schools, including our five focus schools serving underserved populations, to introduce cybersecurity careers early.
• Campus Engagement: Hosting tailored tours and workshops at UO to showcase academic programs and inspire applicants.
• Financial Support: Offering scholarships and financial aid guidance to make higher education accessible.
• Targeted Promotion: Collaborating with community organizations to reach diverse students and highlight UO’s inclusive opportunities.

Retention Support: To ensure students thrive, we provide comprehensive resources and community-building initiatives:

• Mentorship Programs: Pairing students with faculty and industry mentors to guide academic and career growth.
• Peer Networks: Creating student-led groups to foster belonging and collaboration among underrepresented learners.
• Academic Resources: Providing tutoring, workshops, and access to cutting-edge labs to support coursework success.
• Inclusive Environment: Cultivating a welcoming campus culture that celebrates diversity and encourages persistence.