New cybersecurity program creates pathways for Central Texas students
New cybersecurity program creates pathways for Central Texas students
https://www.kwtx.com/2026/01/08/new-cybersecurity-program-creates-pathways-central-texas-students/
Publish Date: 2026-01-07 19:28:00
Source Domain: www.kwtx.com
Using an unordered list, summarize the following article with between 4 and 8 key points. WACO, Texas (KWTX) – Students at eight Central Texas school districts will soon have the opportunity to take cybersecurity classes thanks to a new program led by Baylor University in partnership with the Central Texas Cyber Hub.The K-12 Cybersecurity Pathways Program will begin with ninth-grade students in fall 2026, offering a four-year curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in cybersecurity.“Cybersecurity is definitely one of those industries this is going to take off in the future,” said Travis Mutscher, McGregor ISD superintendent.Program addresses industry needMcGregor ISD was one of the eight districts chosen to launch the program, Mutscher adding that currently there isn’t really any opportunities for students to learn about cybersecurity before college.“About a year ago I was approached about a cybersecurity program,” he explained, “It’s a collaborative with Baylor called the cyber hub.” The hub includes Baylor University, local industry partners, Region 12, McLennan Community College, and Central Texas College.Jeremy McCormick, a program director and instructor at MCC, say the collaboration created something unique.“We don’t know any anyone else in the nation that is doing this right now, and what we’re doing is setting up cybersecurity academies across mostly rural schools,” McCormick said.Student interest already evidentJennifer Millsap, the academic advisor at McGregor High School, says students have already shown an interest in cybersecurity.“Every year we have students that are interested in coding and things like that,” Millsap said, “they want to get into cybersecurity but they don’t know where to start, and so I think by adding this they’ll have the opportunity to get started.”The four-year program helps students earn industry-recognized certifications that opens doors to both entry-level jobs and higher education. Jeffery Thompson, a computer science professor at Central Texas College, says this also addresses a significant workforce shortage.“There are thousands of roles that currently go unfilled within cybersecurity. We have to be able to generate more qualified individuals that can step in and begin to fill these roles,” Thompson said.Future expansion plannedProgram leaders plan to gradually expand the initiative to more districts in the area and additional grade levels.“We hope to eventually fill in the rest of the K-8,” McCormick said, “for instance, go to elementary STEM career fairs and talk about cybersecurity, prepare those students to move forward in, get them excited about getting to high school where they can start”.Copyright 2026 KWTX. All rights reserved.
