Bridgeport – October 19, 2026 -- The University of Bridgeport (UB) and CYBER.ORG have launched a national partnership that lets high school students earn college credit and industry-recognized credentials in cybersecurity, the first time CYBER.ORG's curriculum has been paired with a university partner to create an early college pathway.
UB faculty will convert CYBER.ORG curricula into college-level coursework
UB faculty and academic leaders will work with CYBER.ORG to adapt its existing cybersecurity curricula into college-level courses and build the academic framework. The program draws on UB's ABET-accredited School of Engineering, which includes cybersecurity and artificial intelligence programs, and on hands-on learning in the Interdisciplinary Emerging Technologies (IET) Lab.
UB President Danielle Wilken said the university has prepared students for cybersecurity, AI and emerging technology careers for years, including by launching Connecticut's first master's degree in artificial intelligence.
Program targets career-connected learning rather than general education credits
Many concurrent enrollment programs focus on general education coursework. This one centers on career-connected learning: students build cybersecurity skills, work toward industry credentials and start an academic record for their next step after high school.
The model is designed for public, private and charter schools, including those without an existing early college partnership with a college or university.
Pathways cover two-year and four-year degrees and credentials
The program builds on CYBER.ORG's "Cyber Interstate" vision, which holds that there is no single route into cybersecurity careers. Students can pursue a two-year or four-year degree, industry credentials or another related path. CYBER.ORG Director Charlene Cooper said the goal is to give students an earlier opportunity to build skills, earn credentials and college credit, and understand their options after high school.
CYBER.ORG brings significant reach. Its content is used in more than 10,000 schools in all 50 states by more than 48,000 educators, and it is supported in part by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). By 2029, the organization aims to support over 50,000 educators and reach six million students.
UB and CYBER.ORG will explore certificate programs and continued study at UB
As the partnership develops, the two organizations will examine further options for students to build on their early college experience, including future certificate programs and opportunities to continue their education at UB.