LEXINGTON, Ky. — Bluegrass Community and Technical College welcomed approximately 200 high school students from the region on Friday, May 8, for its "Hour of Cyber: Smart Security Workshop," an event designed to introduce young people to cybersecurity careers and build digital literacy skills.

The workshop was conducted through BCTC's Cybersecurity for All initiative, which targets students from seventh to 12th grade. The program aims to build interest in the high-demand field of cybersecurity by offering hands-on training, mentorship and career exploration opportunities.

The Cybersecurity for All program is funded through a $650,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. According to BCTC leadership, the initiative "will enable BCTC to provide essential support for both recruiting students interested in STEM fields and meeting the needs of our community partners." The college uses the grant to implement outreach activities targeting female and underrepresented students.

BCTC's cybersecurity program has been designated as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. The college's Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer and Information Technologies meets rigorous national standards for cybersecurity education.

The workshop aligns with growing national demand for cybersecurity professionals. Cybersecurity technicians are responsible for safeguarding computer systems and networks from cyber threats across a wide range of industries, making it one of the fastest-growing tech fields in Kentucky and nationwide.