Summit on Cybersecurity Education

Photo Gallery |  Speakers  |  Sponsors

The 2025 National Cryptologic Foundation (NCF) Education Summit on Cybersecurity opened with an inspiring keynote address from Rebecca Robertson, Vice President for National Missions within Booz Allen Hamilton’s National Cyber Platform, who emphasized the urgent need to invest in cyber education today to build a resilient and prepared workforce for tomorrow. Her message set the tone for a day centered on collaboration, innovation, and action.

Held on October 17, 2025, at the Technology Advancement Center (TAC) in Columbia, Maryland, the Summit brought together more than 100 educators, administrators, industry professionals, and government leaders to explore strategies for strengthening cyber literacy and workforce readiness among students.

Themed “Securing the Future: A Call to Action for Cyber Education,” the Summit served as a dynamic platform for collaboration across education, government, and industry. Engaging breakout sessions addressed topics such as cybersecurity pathways, AI and robotics in education, digital safety, and Zero Trust frameworks, all aimed at helping educators integrate cybersecurity concepts into core curricula.

A key highlight of the day was the Fireside Chat on the Future of Cybersecurity Education, featuring thought leaders from the public, private, and academic sectors. Panelists reinforced that “no single sector can solve the cybersecurity workforce challenge alone”—underscoring the importance of shared responsibility and partnership

In addition to our strategic partner TAC, sponsors for this year’s Summit included Booz Allen Hamilton, Carahsoft, Start Engineering, U.S. Cyber Range of Virginia Tech, Tower Federal Credit Union, Chesapeake Family Life, Percy Public Affairs, and the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). See their names and logos included below. Their continued partnership made this convening possible and helped amplify the NCF’s impact in advancing K–12 cyber education.

The event concluded with a unified call to action: cybersecurity education is essential to America’s future. Through its programs and resources —Outsmart Cyberthreats booklet, Cyber Feud, Cyber Saturday, and the Ambassador Program—the NCF continues to inspire educators and students nationwide to explore, engage, and excel in the digital age.

Many thanks to ALL who attended and supported this exciting event. Please see below for a selection of photos from the day and a link to view more photos in our Shutterfly album. 

Morning Speakers
Dr. Alisha Jordan, Director of Education, National Cryptologic Foundation (NCF)
Dr. Calvin Nobles, Dean of Cybersecurity, University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
Rebecca Robertson – Vice President for National Missions within Booz Allen Hamilton’s National Cyber Platform (Booz Allen Hamilton)

Morning Sessions (1)
Ryan Sackett (Loudoun County Principal) – Creating a Cybersecurity Pipeline: Overcoming Barriers, Maximizing Output
Dr. Melissa Dark, Ph.D. (DARK Enterprises, Inc. / Teach Cyber) – Cybersecurity Pathways
Steve Morrill (Loyola Blakefield) – How to Build a Successful Cyber Security Club
Chad Whistle (Assistant Dean for Portfolio Lifecycle & Student Success, UMGC) and
Dr. Helen G. Barker (Associate Dean for Cybersecurity, UMGC) – Credential Ecosystems in Action: Pathways that Accelerate Learner Journeys

Morning Sessions (2)
Quiana Bannerman (Maryland Center for Computing Education) – Cyber Smarts: Empowering K–12 Educators to Build Digital Defenders
Sean Flowers (Ready Force Cyber) –  AI and the Transformation of Education
Eric Davis (Maryland STEM Education to Employment Ecosystem) – From Gears to Guards: How Competitive Robotics Programs Spark the Next Generation of Cyber Defenders
Kristi Rice (Spotsylvania High School, Business & IT Teacher) – HackItUp with Kristi: Innovative Ideas for Every Cyber Classroom

Fireside Chat
Facilitator: Kennedy Taylor Tibbetts (Cybersecurity Managing Consultant at IBM and#CyberChats Podcast Host)
Panelists:
Dr. Melissa Dark, Ph.D. (DARK Enterprises, Inc.)
Seeyew Mo (U.S. Department of Labor)
Senator Katie Frye Hester (Maryland State Senator)
Davina Pruitt-Mentle (NICE)
Siraaj Hassan (Booz Allen Hamilton)

Afternoon Sessions
Jennifer Marden (RING: Regions Investing in the Next Generation) – Unlocking Cyber Brilliance: Dynamic Curriculum, Engaging Activities, and Escape Room Adventures
Eric Iversen (STEM Education & Career Pathways Content Developer) – Redefining AI and Cyber Literacy for a Human-Centered Future
Monica Hamilton (Senior Cybersecurity Technologist) – From A- Zero Trust (ZT): Learning the Basics of this Cybersecurity Approach
Shannon Beck (Director, Virginia & U.S. Cyber Ranges at Virginia Tech) – Cyber Range in Action: Level Up Your Skills and Teaching