The 2020 NCAE CSUSB – High School Study, (H98230-20-1-0292, SA20137) investigated the practicality of a High School Cybersecurity Recognition Program. The study objectively and rationally uncovered the strengths and weaknesses of establishing a HS program, opportunities and threats, the resources required to implement, and ultimately, the prospects for success. The study assessed feasibility regarding whether a HS program can be developed and implemented based on cost and value to be attained and made recommendations as to its advisability, i.e., should it be developed and implemented.

This complex study was guided by a Theory of Change methodology and broken down by a research design splitting tasks into five teams. Utilizing the educational expertise of Dark Enterprise, University of AL, Huntsville, and Moraine Valley College, NCF held monthly virtual meetings and several on-site team meetings to discuss findings. As one would expect, differences of opinions developed over the two year study. This is good and healthy for a first look at cybersecurity recognition at the HS level.