2025 NICE K12 Cybersecurity Education Conference: Key Takeaways and Highlights

iKeepSafe was proud to once again host the NICE K12 Cybersecurity Education Conference. We convened this year in Nashville, Tennessee on December 8–9, bringing together educators, administrators, school counselors, students, government representatives, and industry professionals from across the country to share insights and advance K–12 cybersecurity education. 

The conference kicked off with a dynamic lineup of pre-conference workshops designed to strengthen hands-on skills and deepen participants’ understanding of effective cybersecurity education practices. From there, the main conference built momentum through engaging keynotes and panels led by thought leaders and practitioners, exploring topics such as expanding access to cybersecurity pathways, increasing career awareness, and empowering students through gamified learning experiences and competitive programs.

These themes were carried throughout the conference’s four thoughtfully designed tracks, each tailored to a key area of K12 cybersecurity education. Track 1: Increasing Cybersecurity Career Awareness focused on strategies to engage and inspire students to explore cybersecurity careers. Track 2: Multidisciplinary & Innovative Approaches to Cybersecurity Education highlighted creative ways to integrate cybersecurity concepts across subjects and foster inventive teaching practices. Track 3: Designing Cybersecurity Career Pathways showcased models that support students in earning credentials, accessing dual-enrollment opportunities, and navigating clear routes into post-secondary education and the workforce. Track 4: Promoting Cyber Awareness emphasized building the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed for safe, ethical, and resilient use of technology among both students and educators.

One of the most inspiring moments of the week was National Cyber Signing Day, emceed by the official announcer for the National Hockey League’s Nashville Predators, Max Herz. National Cyber Signing Day celebrated K12 students who are taking meaningful early steps into cybersecurity pathways. This year’s honorees included Kyle Rabago (University of Texas at San Antonio), Kingston Morgan (The Kearns Academy), Caleb Kingan (Lakota West High School), Danika Jimenez (Cal Poly Pomona), Jessica Counselman (Acellus Academy), Alex Cantor (Des Moines Public Schools), Samantha Boothe (Lakota West High School), and Byrch Baker (Mid-Del Technology Center). Together with the advisors and families cheering them on, these students represent the future of the cyber workforce. For more information, visit nationalcybersigningday.org, where past ceremonies and additional resources are also posted.

Four dynamic panel sessions broadened the conversation around awareness and access to cyber pathways for K12 students. In Strengthening the Cybersecurity Talent Pipeline: Counselors as Connectors, panelists highlighted the pivotal role school counselors play in guiding students toward post-secondary options and cybersecurity careers, sharing practical, replicable strategies for expanding student exposure. 

The Student Panel provided a firsthand look at the experiences of high school students navigating cybersecurity pathways, including how they first became interested in the field, the opportunities and obstacles they encountered, and their advice for educators seeking to better support emerging talent. 

The Fireside Chat: How Cyber Competitions Motivate and Empower Students explored how competitions and gamified learning can make complex cybersecurity concepts more approachable, build critical problem-solving skills, and foster student confidence, while also providing educators with actionable ideas for bringing competitions into their classrooms.

Rounding out the discussions, the panel "Future Ready Classrooms - Striking the Right Chords Between AI, Cybersecurity, and Emerging Technologies in K-12 Education" was a lively conversation about practical strategies for teaching students about cybersecurity and AI, leveraging AI-powered classroom tools responsibly, and maintaining a safe and engaging digital learning environment.

The general sessions also featured several dynamic introductory and keynote speakers: Kristin Darby - CIO at the Tennessee Office of Finance and Administration, Andrew Laman - Senior Instructor at SANS, Chelle Travis - Executive Director at SANS, Jeff Carlson - Head of National Education Partnerships at Clever, Sara Dorken - Global Program Manager, Cybersecurity Education (K-12) at Fortinet, and Student Keynote Jake Goodwin - Senior at Spotsylvania High School in Virginia.

In addition to the impressive lineup of speakers and panelists, the Conference included a full house of exhibitors, networking sessions such as the Birds of a Feather tables and K12 Community of Interest meetup, discussion boards, interactive games and prizes, and multiple attendee-led meetups to connect, cultivate, and continue valued relationships in K12 cybersecurity education across the country.

Overall, the 2025 NICE K12 Cybersecurity Education Conference reaffirmed the power of collaboration in shaping the future of cybersecurity education. By bringing together key stakeholders, the conference highlighted both the urgency and the opportunity to build strong pathways into cybersecurity from an early age. Attendees left with practical strategies, new partnerships, and renewed inspiration to expand access, strengthen awareness, and empower the next generation of cyber-ready learners. 

Interested in shaping the 2026 conference? Join the Conference Planning Committee and play a pivotal role in bringing the conference to life. Email k12cybercon@ikeepsafe.org to learn more.