2026 KACTE Summer Program

Kentucky’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) system is actively expanding its information technology and cybersecurity pathways to better connect high schoolers to high-demand careers in college, the workforce, or the military. This initiative is backed by strong regional labor data, which shows thousands of open cybersecurity jobs in Kentucky and lucrative median salaries ranging from $61,073 to $98,109. To help schools meet this workforce demand, this professional development session introduces AP Cybersecurity, AP Networking and AP Business with Personal Finance as scalable, career-connected course options. These advanced courses combine academic rigor with applied, real-world learning, covering essential technical concepts like data transmission protocols, network hardware configuration, and risk mitigation. Attendees will explore strategies to integrate these courses into existing state pathways while building vital partnerships with higher education, local employers, and military organizations. Ultimately, educators and administrators will leave with concrete tools to strengthen local programs of study and build sustainable pipelines aligned to Kentucky's economic priorities.