CyberStart America in Georgia is a statewide initiative to enable all students in the state’s 800-plus high schools to discover their talent in cybersecurity.
Produced by the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation and the SANS Institute, CyberStart America helps identify students with the potential to help meet our nation’s critical need for cybersecurity professionals.
Five state leaders in cyber education - University of North Georgia, Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Tech Research Institute, Georgia Cyber Center and Gwinnett County Public Schools - guide the CyberStart Georgia Task Force with the aim of helping students learn about cybersecurity using an easy-to-follow game-based online platform.
Supported by Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Education.
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:
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!
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.
Visit CyberStart America for additional information and resources for teacher and advisors.Benefits to Teachers & Advisors
Benefits to Students
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!** Note: **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.Cash Prizes Exclusively for Georgia Students & Schools
Statewide Superstars
Districts of Distinction
That’s $3,000 per district for their top individual competitors!
*Individual student competitors cannot win twice; if the student wins a statewide award they will not be eligible for an additional district award.
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). As a district partner, CyberStart America in Georgia requests: 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!Become a District Partner
District Partner Commitment
Schedule a Meeting
Contact us at at CyberStartGeorgia@ung.edu Visit CyberStart America for additional information and resources for teacher and advisors.Learn More
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.