MADISON — High school teachers from around the country have received scholarships through the National Cybersecurity Teaching Academy to earn a specialization in computer science and cyber education.

Supported by a grant from the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, participants will learn the foundations of cybersecurity, how to teach cybersecurity, network security, and other advanced topics.

“We are thrilled to help high school teachers throughout the country learn foundational cybersecurity concepts, build their local cybersecurity education programs, and share their knowledge with students,” said Fenecia Homan, dean of the Governors Cyber Academy and K-12 initiatives.

Scholarship recipients are placed at one of seven collegiate institutions based on their unique area of focus. The 18-credit online program at Dakota State focuses on computer science and cyber education and includes six courses — Cyber leadership and ethics, artificial intelligence for educators, cybersecurity for educators, computer programming for educators, hardware and networking for educators, and a cybersecurity practicum.

The goal of the program is to reach rural teachers and equip them with a broad understanding of cybersecurity concepts to address their students’ diverse needs and interests.

Despite being online, students will have the opportunity to learn from activities and labs that are a part of the DSU PowerCyber Lab. This certificate meets South Dakota’s computer science and IT endorsement requirements and prepares South Dakota educators to teach dual enrollment courses through the Governors Cyber Academy.

These courses are also open to non-scholarship recipients who are interested in furthering their education and skill sets.

A total of 22 teachers from 11 states received the NCTA scholarship for Dakota State University.