Postsecondary CTE institutions are increasingly challenged to deliver high-quality technical instruction while building staff capacity to support student success in rapidly evolving fields. This session introduces an applied, workforce-integrated model—Cyber Conversations, an initiative of RW2 Career and Technical Education—that strengthens staff roles in student support and embeds work-based learning (WBL) within a cybersecurity program.
Attendees will explore how RW2 implements a structured WBL system with clearly defined roles, processes, and project-based learning experiences in which adult learners work alongside cybersecurity instructors and professionals to complete real-world, supervised projects. As Cyber Liaisons, adult learners gain practical experience within a guided, team-based environment, supported by defined staff roles, operational workflows, and professional oversight. The session will highlight desired outcomes, including increased WBL participation, sustained completion rates, documented skill attainment, and improved job readiness aimed at faster hiring and stronger placement.
Designed for postsecondary CTE administrators, program leaders, and staff responsible for student support and WBL implementation, this session provides insight into strategies and operational processes currently in place and actively evolving to embed WBL into technical programs and strengthen institutional capacity.
Participants will engage through a guided case study discussion, a brief live polling activity to capture institutional context, and a reflection-based action planning prompt to support immediate application.
Attendees will leave with a practical implementation roadmap, including a replicable project-based WBL model, defined staff roles and workflows, a liaison-style role outline, sample project intake and coordination templates, and key metrics to track participation, skill attainment, and job readiness outcomes.
Postsecondary CTE institutions are increasingly challenged to deliver high-quality technical instruction while building staff capacity to support student success in rapidly evolving fields. This session introduces an applied, workforce-integrated model—Cyber Conversations, an initiative of RW2 Career and Technical Education—that strengthens staff roles in student support and embeds work-based learning (WBL) within a cybersecurity program.
Attendees will explore how RW2 implements a structured WBL system with clearly defined roles, processes, and project-based learning experiences in which adult learners work alongside cybersecurity instructors and professionals to complete real-world, supervised projects. As Cyber Liaisons, adult learners gain practical experience within a guided, team-based environment, supported by defined staff roles, operational workflows, and professional oversight. The session will highlight desired outcomes, including increased WBL participation, sustained completion rates, documented skill attainment, and improved job readiness aimed at faster hiring and stronger placement.
Designed for postsecondary CTE administrators, program leaders, and staff responsible for student support and WBL implementation, this session provides insight into strategies and operational processes currently in place and actively evolving to embed WBL into technical programs and strengthen institutional capacity.
Participants will engage through a guided case study discussion, a brief live polling activity to capture institutional context, and a reflection-based action planning prompt to support immediate application.
Attendees will leave with a practical implementation roadmap, including a replicable project-based WBL model, defined staff roles and workflows, a liaison-style role outline, sample project intake and coordination templates, and key metrics to track participation, skill attainment, and job readiness outcomes.
