Shawnee Mission School District Joins EnterpriseKC’s Cyber Initiative as the First K-12 Edge Network Host Partner in Kansas
The Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD) has partnered with EnterpriseKC’s (EKC) cyber initiative, becoming the first K-12 host on EKC’s edge network in Kansas. This partnership provides students statewide with free access to essential training tools for high-demand cybersecurity careers.
Included in these resources are the Heartland Cyber Range (HCR) and the EKC Talent Platform. Through immersive hands-on experiences on the HCR, students develop cybersecurity skills in a controlled virtual environment and can showcase their achievements on the Talent Platform, connecting directly with regional employers seeking skilled talent.
Career-Pathway Readiness through Equal Access
EnterpriseKC aims to create a distributed edge network across the region to ensure all students have equal access to high-performing, secure, and sustainable tools. With over 4,600 open cybersecurity positions in Kansas, this partnership will accelerate student readiness for these careers, addressing a critical talent gap. Supported by SMSD, the network can accommodate up to 7,200 concurrent cyber range users statewide.
Simple, Secure, and Sustainable Network Hosting
Hosting a machine is straightforward and requires minimal power and bandwidth. The machine connects to SMSD’s network using just 100 Mbps of bandwidth, providing a secure, high-speed, encrypted experience for students. The installation is simple, with no additional configuration or maintenance needed from the host.
Advancing SMSD’s Cybersecurity Program
SMSD’s award-winning cybersecurity program actively engages students in local and regional capture the flag competitions and CyberPatriot, earning numerous accolades. Students also benefit from work-based internships across the metro area and have achieved various industry certifications.
Through this partnership, SMSD will enhance its real-world cybersecurity training. The HCR will help students develop critical skills, including defending against simulated cyberattacks and practicing ethical hacking principles, ensuring they are workforce-ready for high-paying positions.
Empowering a Generation of Cyber Leaders
“EnterpriseKC has provided transformative support to our Cybersecurity program, enabling us to host a machine for the Heartland Cyber Range,” said Jessica Tickle, an engineering and cybersecurity instructor at SMSD’s Center for Academic Achievement. “This opportunity reflects our commitment to accessible, real-world learning. Establishing a home-grown cyber range is an invaluable resource for our students, empowering them to become future leaders in Kansas City’s cybersecurity workforce.”
领英推荐
EnterpriseKC is collaborating with K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and industry partners across Kansas to expand this initiative, offering more students opportunities to explore cybersecurity careers.
For further information about this partnership, how other districts can get involved, or learn more about the network being built,? please contact:
RJ Pericola
Infrastructure Lead, EnterpriseKC??????????????????????????????????????????????
About Shawnee Mission School District
Shawnee Mission School District is the third largest school district in Kansas. The district serves students in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade in 34 elementary schools, five middle schools, five high schools, and several educational centers. It has been consistently ranked among the finest school districts nationwide for its high student performance. The district’s objective is that each student will have a personalized learning plan that will prepare them for college and careers, with the interpersonal skills they need for life success. The district serves a diverse student population from 14 cities within northeast Johnson County, Kansas, which is 10 miles from downtown Kansas City, Missouri. For more information, visit https://www.smsd.org/.?
About EnterpriseKC
EnterpriseKC is a business-led, results-driven organization focused on fostering enterprise development, innovation, and job growth within key industry clusters. The purpose is to maximize regional prosperity by accelerating business growth, driving innovation, and creating high-value job opportunities through targeted strategies and programs. EnterpriseKC's mission is to retain existing jobs and talent in the region, grow enterprises and innovation to expand the job base, and support promising startups and high-growth companies.
Executive | 40 under 40 | Cyber Security | Cyber Champion Award | Building a time machine to escape back to the 1990s
3 个月Excellent
This was not an easy task. I do like being the first, though! ??