The AI pathways for tomorrows workforce project will establish a scalable, community-driven ecosystem in northern virginia that integrates AI literacy into cybersecurity career pathways for k-12 and…

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded Cyber Bytes Foundation a $407,496.61 Cooperative Agreement under the Science, Technology, Business and/or Education Outreach program (CFDA 11.620) effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027. The AI Pathways for Tomorrow's Workforce Project establishes a community-driven ecosystem in Northern Virginia that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) literacy into cybersecurity career pathways for K-12 and adult learners. The awardee will deliver five interlocking programs: AI literacy workshops, cyber-AI career exploration programs, after-school AI labs, AI-themed capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions, and work-based learning opportunities including internships and apprenticeships. All programming is designed to align with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Framework and responsive to employer demand.

The initiative targets over 500 learners in AI literacy programming, with expected placement of at least 20 participants annually in internships or apprenticeships and engagement of 150+ learners through gamified CTF challenges. Services will be delivered collaboratively with K-12 schools, community colleges, and regional employers across Stafford County and surrounding Virginia regions, with particular focus on underrepresented groups including veterans and career-switchers. Outcomes will be tracked through surveys, job placement data, and credential attainment metrics. No subawards are planned under this agreement.

Activities

Cyber bytes foundation will implement five interlocking programs including AI literacy workshops, cyber-AI career exploration, after-school labs, an AI-themed capture the flag series, and work-based learning opportunities to embed AI into cybersecurity workforce development. These programs will be delivered in collaboration with schools, community colleges, and employers, and aligned with the nice framework to provide hands-on learning, mentorship, and career readiness.

Expected outcomes

The initiative aims to engage over 500 learners in AI literacy programming, place at least 20 participants annually in internships or apprenticeships, and reach 150+ learners through gamified CTF challenges while expanding employer partnerships. These efforts will boost awareness, skill acquisition, and workforce readiness in cybersecurity and AI, particularly among underrepresented groups, while tracking outcomes through surveys, job placement data, and credential attainment.

Intended beneficiaries

The initiative is designed to serve k to 12 students, adult learners, educators, veterans, and career-switchers across stafford county and surrounding regions in virginia. Local employers in sectors like defense, infrastructure, and IT will also benefit by gaining access to a more qualified, AI-literate, and job-ready cybersecurity talent pipeline.

Subrecipient activities

There are no planned subawards.