Moreno Valley Unified School District: Leading the Charge in Cybersecurity Education!

 

Breaking barriers, one byte at a time!

Moreno Valley, September 3, 2024, – Move over, tech giants—there’s a new player in the cybersecurity field, and it's coming straight from the classrooms of Moreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD). Our district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Cyber Academic Pathway program has put us on the map, and we’re thrilled to share the news.

Cybersecurity in High School & Middle School? You Bet!

MVUSD is proud to have launched the nation's very first Cyber Innovation Center on a high school campus, a trailblazing move that shows we’re serious about cybersecurity education. This cutting-edge center at Canyon Springs High School isn’t just about student coursework; it's a hub for professional development and community engagement. From hosting Summer Cyber Camps and Parent Workshops on Child Online Safety to offering hands-on Digital Citizenship programs, our Cyber Innovation Center is a hive of activity, buzzing with opportunities for learning and growth. The Cyber Innovation Center serves as the hub for all of our MVUSD Cyber Academic Pathway schools:  Badger Springs Middle School, Landmark Middle School, Palm Middle School, Vista Height Middle School, Canyon Springs High School, Valley View High School, and Vista Del Lago High School.
 

What Sets MVUSD Apart in Cybersecurity?

At MVUSD, we believe in teamwork—our District Administrators, School Site Administrators, IT Department, and instructors have come together like never before to craft a unique Cyber Academic Pathway. Our program offers everything from curriculum and college-articulated credits to state-approved pre-apprenticeships, nationally certified apprenticeships, and full college scholarships, including two-year paid apprenticeships through LAUNCH (Local Apprenticeships Uniting a Network of Colleges & High Schools). 

Students at MVUSD don’t just learn about cybersecurity—they live it. Our program provides them with the skills, certifications, and experiences they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving field. From middle school to college, our students are on a pathway that’s as solid as a firewall and just as hard to break through.

 

Passionate About Cybersecurity and the Future

Why do we care so much about cybersecurity? It’s simple: we’re committed to giving our students the best possible start in life. With technology advancing at lightning speed, we know the world needs more cybersecurity experts. According to Cyberseek.org, the current job openings are 469.930 nationally, 39,616 in California, and 1,405 in the Inland Empire. Our program aims to fill that gap by preparing the next generation of cyber defenders—students from all walks of life, ready to make a difference.

Celebrating a Decade of Digital Dominance

We’re not just breaking records; we’re also winning awards. As we celebrate a decade of our cybersecurity program, the stats speak for themselves. Over the last ten years, we’ve accomplished more than most could dream:

• 10 consecutive years of ALL our CyberPatriot teams advancing to the State Finals, with 5 State Championships to boot!

• 27 teams advancing to the National Semi-Finals, and one team taking 1st Place in the National Semi-Finals—California's pride and joy!

• Our students have earned over $1 million in scholarships, ensuring that no talent is left untapped.

• We've trained 417 cyber instructors and hosted 700+ students at our free cyber camps, cultivating a passion for cybersecurity across our community.

• And let’s not forget the 8 grants totaling $7.8 million we've secured to keep our program cutting-edge and accessible for all.

Building a Bright Future, Byte by Byte

We’re here to build more than just a program—we’re building futures. Our students enjoy a 100% graduation rate and 100% college acceptance rate. They earn up to four industry certifications, gain valuable real-life experience, and are prepared to tackle any career field they choose. And the best part? They’re having fun while doing it!