National Cybersecurity Teaching Academy (NCTA)

The National Cybersecurity Teaching Academy is a first-of-its-kind initiative expanding high school cybersecurity education by preparing and credentialing teachers to lead stand-alone cybersecurity courses. Led by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the academy unites seven Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) institutions across the Midwest, Southeast, and Southwest regions.

The founding partners, UA Little Rock, DePaul University, and the University of Louisville, have been joined by the University of Arizona, Dakota State University, the University of Maryland Global Campus, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, creating a truly nationwide network.

Through an 18-credit-hour graduate certificate, the NCTA equips high school teachers to deliver rigorous cybersecurity instruction and meet Higher Learning Commission standards for dual-enrollment courses. In most states, teachers who already hold a master’s degree in any field can satisfy dual-enrollment requirements with these 18 graduate hours in cybersecurity.

Now in its third cohort, the program has graduated 84 teachers nationwide, including 25 in Arkansas. Four Arkansas high school teachers are the first in the country to pilot a 4-credit concurrent-enrollment cybersecurity course for high school students.

Grounded in the High School Cybersecurity Curriculum Guidelines (HSCCG) and aligned with the latest ACM Cybersecurity Curriculum Guidelines, the NCTA emphasizes curriculum development, teacher mentorship, and sustainable pathways connecting high schools, community colleges, and universities. This national collaboration raises educator expertise, expands student opportunities, and sets the standard for high-quality cybersecurity education.

Cyber Learning Network (CLN)

The Cyber Learning Network (CLN) is a statewide consortium created to expand cybersecurity education across Arkansas. Coordinated by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (Lead Institution), the CLN brings together two and four year institutions from across the University of Arkansas System and key partners such as Ouachita Baptist University and Northwest Arkansas Community College, to give every learner direct access to high-quality, transferable cybersecurity and AI coursework, no matter where they live.

Shared Curriculum & Seamless Transfer

All member schools adopt a common set of cybersecurity and applied AI courses and stackable certificate programs that align with state and national standards. Credits are fully transferable across the consortium. Cross-institutional enrollment and a shared adjunct faculty pool ensure that every course has a qualified instructor at every location, while a centralized cloud-based cyber lab and equipment-loan program give all campuses the technology needed for advanced, hands-on training.

K-12 & Workforce Pathways

The CLN partners directly with high schools by recognizing concurrent-credit courses taught by National Cybersecurity Teaching Academy (NCTA) certified instructors. High school students can earn college credit that is honored across all CLN institutions, creating a seamless path from secondary education to a Certificate of Proficiency (CP), Technical Certificate (TC), and ultimately a bachelor’s degree or industry credential.

Industry-Driven and Future-Focused

A board of cybersecurity professionals keeps the curriculum aligned with real-world demands. Members offer insight on emerging trends, connect students to internships, and volunteer in classrooms to provide authentic, hands-on learning experiences.

Academic Programs  

A cybersecurity degree or certificate will prepare students for one of the fastest-growing fields. Explore your options at UA Little Rock.

Future Opportunities

The CORE Center is expanding its academic pathways with new AI-focused programs designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. These upcoming pathways will include stackable certificates and degree options emphasizing AI governance, large language model (LLM) fluency, and operational competencies.

Contact  

Contact for more information:  

Sandra Leiterman, Director of Cybersecurity Education & Outreach
[email protected]