Inspiring Tomorrow’s Teachers

The Future Belongs To Those Who See Possibilities Today

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Inspired By Excellence & Innovation

The NCyTE Community College Cybersecurity Fellowship Program prepares students for a rewarding career path in cybersecurity education at the community college level. Through hands-on training, expert mentorship, and real classroom experience, fellows gain the skills and confidence needed to shape the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Program participants are selected through a competitive application process held annually.

Program Components

The NCyTE Community College Cybersecurity Fellowship Program is structured as a progressive, four-part experience. Fellows begin with the Fellowship Orientation, where they are introduced to the program, its expectations, and the rewarding field of cybersecurity education. Next, participants complete the Microsoft 21st Century Skills Workshop, building foundational teaching skills in pedagogy, classroom management, and curriculum development — culminating in preparation for the Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) certification. From there, fellows advance to the Fellowship Bootcamp, combining in-person and virtual instruction to develop practical lesson planning, lab design, and evidence-based teaching strategies. Finally, participants are placed in a Teaching Assignment at a host community college, where they work alongside an experienced faculty mentor to gain real classroom experience and launch their teaching careers.

Milestone 1: Fellowship Orientation
4 Hours

Kickstart your journey with a comprehensive virtual orientation designed to introduce you to the dynamic field of cybersecurity education. Discover the significant impact you can have on the nation’s workforce through community college teaching. This session will outline program expectations, scheduling, commitments, and key details to set you up for success.

Milestone 2: Microsoft 21st Century Skills: Classroom Management, Methods, and Pedagogy Workshop
16 Hours

Following orientation, participants complete a 16-hour virtual workshop designed to build the foundational knowledge and skills needed to become an effective community college cybersecurity educator. Topics include:

  • Teaching and learning pedagogy
  • Classroom management strategies
  • Student assessment and curriculum development
  • Cultivating student workforce competencies

This workshop also prepares participants to pursue the Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) certification.

Milestone 3: Fellowship Bootcamp
32 Hours

Participants complete an intensive 32-hour bootcamp, including a minimum of 8 hours of in-person instruction at Moraine Valley Community College and up to 24 hours of virtual instruction.

Through the bootcamp, participants will learn to:

  • Integrate evidence-based teaching strategies into their instruction
  • Create engaging, workforce-aligned course content
  • Produce draft lesson plans, labs, and assessments ready for the classroom

Milestone 4: Teaching Assignment
60+ Hours

Upon successful completion of the program, participants are placed in a teaching assignment at a host community college. Working alongside an experienced faculty mentor, fellows will:

  • Contribute a minimum of 60 hours of service
  • Lead at least one full lesson
  • Co-create a schedule and course materials aligned with their strengths and goals
  • Submit all required deliverables per their student teaching agreement

This hands-on experience bridges training and the classroom, giving fellows the confidence and credentials to launch their teaching careers.