CyberStart America in Georgia

How Does It Work?

CyberStart America is a free, learn-as-you-go, online game designed to help students in grades 9 - 12 learn about cyber as they complete fun puzzles and challenges. The game helps students explore their abilities, build their skills and compete for scholarships in cybersecurity along with cash prizes available exclusively in Georgia.

If you know students who are:

eager to learn new things
excel at problem-solving
are naturally curious and tenacious
are self-motivated

They have the traits that could lead them to a successful career as a cyber professional.

No prior experience in computer science is required by students or teachers to get started!

Dates

The 2021 CyberStart America game cycle ran from October 27, 2021 to April 27, 2022. Please check back for updates on the 2022 game cycle, or register your interest below.

Students can explore more than 200 unique cybersecurity challenges, which they will solve as a cybersecurity agent investigating criminal gangs. They earn points for every challenge solved and earn digital achievement badges at various point levels. Top-scoring eligible players will be invited to apply for cyber training scholarships worth $3,000 from the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation.

Resources & Info for Educators

Teachers & Advisors
Students
Awards & Recognition
District Partners
Contact Us

Benefits to Teachers & Advisors

Easily incorporate cybersecurity into your classroom using the Matrix of Standards, which provides a detailed look at how the CyberStart learning platform connects to the Georgia Standards of Excellence for classroom use.
No prior knowledge of cybersecurity or computer science is required.
Cash prizes for teachers, schools and districts exclusively in Georgia.
Access to webinars and resources to help you introduce the program to students.
Program is flexible and can be implemented in numerous ways: after school or lunchtime clubs; pathway programs; in-class or homework assignment; extra credit; curriculum for introductory cyber class; in-class anchor activity for “fast finishers.”
Download the teacher flier (PDF).

Visit CyberStart America for additional information and resources for teacher and advisors.

Benefits to Students

Provides a new path for diverse and underrepresented students to enter the cybersecurity field.
Develops interest in and access to high-demand careers in a fast-growing job market.
Students earn digital achievement badges for points earned as they progress through the game.
Students compete for cash prizes exclusively for eligible students competing in Georgia schools.
Top-scoring eligible players will be invited to apply for cyber training scholarships worth $3,000 from the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation.
Download the school poster (PDF).

Cash Prizes Exclusively for Georgia Students & Schools

Prizes and dates are from the 2021 game cycle. Please check back for updates on this year’s prize details.

Statewide Superstars

The top 20 individual participants in the CyberStart America game with the highest point total by April 27, 2022, each receive a $500 cash prize for being the best in the state, whatever school you attend!**

Districts of Distinction

Top 10 public school districts with the highest registrations for CyberStart America by December 31, 2021, unlock additional prizes.
The top Georgia public school with the highest verified registration total by December 31, 2021, receives $10,000!
The top six highest-scoring individuals by April 27, 2022, in each of the top 10 districts receive $500 each.*
That’s $3,000 per district for their top individual competitors!
Drawn from the Districts of Distinction, the top 10 public high schools with the highest percentage total eligible student body registered for CyberStart America by December 31, 2021, will be honored as Cyber Opportunity Schools. Each of the 10 Cyber Opportunity Schools will receive $5,000 to use for cyber training and teacher stipends for those who championed CyberStart America at their school.

Note:
*Individual student competitors cannot win twice; if the student wins a statewide award they will not be eligible for an additional district award.

**Georgia’s state and district winners will be selected based on their performance in the CyberStart America program, and are required to have their performance certified prior to receiving their award. The Georgia Cyber Center and the University of North Georgia, whose cyber program is nationally ranked, will host a Capture the Flag (CTF) event consisting of a 1-3 hour, hands-on exercise, to certify Georgia’s winners. The event will verify that each individual selected as a Georgia winner has developed the skills indicated by their score in the CyberStart America game, confirming their ability to compete in similar challenges and in future workforce roles.

Learn more about CyberStart America opportunities for awards and recognition.

Become a District Partner

CyberStart America in Georgia seeks district partners who are state leaders in technology integration and computer science education to serve as models for other districts. Download the District Partner flier (PDF).

District Partner Commitment

As a district partner, CyberStart America in Georgia requests:

Districts share the CyberStart America opportunity with their high schools and encourage participation.
Regular communication with the CyberStart America in Georgia task force.
Participate in potential research and grant opportunities.
Participate in CyberStart America promotional and marketing efforts, allowing use of the district logo and providing access to teachers for interviews pertaining to marketing efforts for the initiative.
Permission to promote the district’s participation in the CyberStart America program to fellow educators statewide.

Schedule a Meeting

Interested in learning more about the benefits to your district, schools, and students by becoming a district partner with CyberStart America in Georgia? Contact us at CyberStartGeorgia@ung.edu to schedule a meeting!

Learn More

Visit CyberStart America for additional information and resources for teacher and advisors.

Cyber Education is a National Priority

Imagine the outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic with a shortage of 500,000 doctors in the U.S.

How would California fare with a shortage of 500,000 fire fighters?

Although the United States has not faced these hypothetical crises, cyber crimes are a growing threat to our national welfare, in part, because of the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals.

With nearly 500,000 cybersecurity jobs currently unfilled in the U.S., 17,000 of them in Georgia alone, shortage of cybersecurity professions affects everyone, with more frequent and damaging cyber attacks on food and fuel supplies, water and utilities, government agencies and corporations in nearly every business sector.

Georgia’s high schools play an essential role in helping students explore their potential in this crucial career field. CyberStart Georgia helps high schools meet the challenge of preparing the next generation of cyber professionals.