Cybersecurity Program Overhaul

PROBLEM

The original cybersecurity program was built as a temporary solution—five years later, it was still in use. My task was to completely reimagine it to improve learner outcomes and prepare students for real-world job demands in the field. Key issues included:

• Outdated, disjointed curriculum

• Low graduation rates (40%)

• Poor hired rates (20%)

• A problematic virtual machine (VM) platform used for labs and assessments—costing $600 per student

PROCESS & SOLUTIONS

I led a full program redesign grounded in real-world application. Here’s how I approached it:

• Replaced the costly VM platform by teaching students to build their own virtual machines—something cybersecurity professionals actually do. This built real-world skills and cut per-student costs by 95% (from $600 to $30).

• Negotiated a Microsoft partnership to provide Windows licenses for student VMs. This was a complex, multi-month process with no existing precedent for either organization.

• Introduced adaptive project-based learning options—easy, moderate, advanced. Students could engage at a level they felt comfortable while building the same essential competencies. It also provided more hands-on practice, a common student request.

• Nimbly adapted to shifting program requirements. When the job guarantee was removed mid-project, I transitioned from high-stakes assessment verification to a student-driven honor system with self-checks, still ensuring learner success.

• Implemented a Career Prep Checklist. Originally tied to the job guarantee, it was a cornerstone of student success and a model for all future career transition programs.

• Proactively managed risk across three major areas:

1. Educator Readiness – Educators would need new training so I involved them as beta testers, so they learned the content by engaging with it firsthand.

2. Licensing Barriers – Led the Microsoft licensing negotiations from initial ask to the contract stage, collaborating closely with the procurement team.

3. Change Management – Navigated resistance from leaders hesitant to take ownership of a large-scale change. I clarified the benefits for both students and the organization, ultimately securing full approval.

RESULTS

• Reduced cost per student 95% from $600 to $30

• Designed a program predicted to double graduation and hiring rates.

Sadly, the program was cancelled due to a shift away from B2C offerings. Still, the redesign work was considered a model for future curriculum transformations—and a major leap forward in instructional strategy, cost-efficiency, and student experience.