In partnership with Carnegie Mellon University and the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN), NCWIT’s Counselors for Computing (C4C) advanced its work in Pittsburgh during March 2026 through events focused on hands-on cybersecurity learning, leadership development, and regional partnership, all made possible by the generous support of the Hillman Foundation. Together, these efforts are helping school counselors expand what’s possible for their students by connecting them to high-impact computing pathways, especially in cybersecurity.
As technology continues to shape every aspect of our lives, counselors play a critical role in helping students navigate not only career opportunities, but also the ethical, social, and personal implications of the digital world. This year’s programming in Pittsburgh centered on that responsibility, equipping counselors with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to guide students toward both opportunity and informed participation in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Bringing Cybersecurity to Life: Counselors Capture the Flag
On March 6, Pittsburgh-area school counselors and career coaches explored the world of cybersecurity through Counselors Capture the Flag: Adventures in Cybersecurity, a full-day, hands-on workshop designed to make cybersecurity approachable and engaging.
Using beginner-friendly Capture the Flag (CTF) activities, participants learned how cybersecurity connects to everyday life, from protecting personal information to understanding digital threats. Counselors heard directly from Carnegie Mellon students about their pathways into the field and experimented with free, classroom-ready tools including picoCTF and other open resources.
Post-event survey feedback revealed a shift in participants’ perspective on what is possible for their students, with one sharing, “Learning how cybersecurity is an in-demand job field and how to advocate for multi-pathways to this career for students” and another noting, “I didn’t realize how many opportunities there are in cybersecurity.” Results also indicated that 100% of participants were likely or very likely to discuss cybersecurity careers with students after the session, and 90% would recommend the workshop to colleagues.
Equally important, counselors experienced firsthand how activities like CTF challenges can help students learn to think differently, building resilience and problem-solving skills. As one participant put it, “The CTF simulation was a challenge, but it helped me understand what kids do in a CTF challenge.”
Leadership Through the Digital Shift: 2026 C4C Leadership Development Institute
The C4C Leadership Development Institute (LDI), held March 12-14 at the Pittsburgh Technology Council office, brought 19 counselors together for a two-day immersive experience focused on advising students about computing careers, with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity pathways.
Highlighting a strong regional partnership, the institute connected national C4C content to Pittsburgh’s dynamic tech ecosystem, with speakers and sessions from the Pittsburgh Technology Council, Duquesne University’s Grefenstette Center for Ethics in Science, Technology, and Law, and graduate students from Carnegie Mellon University contributing expertise and real-world perspectives.
Through sessions on AI security in K–12 education, an interactive cybersecurity activity, and expert-led discussions on ethical and secure uses of AI, participants deepened their knowledge of real-world cybersecurity roles and the skills students need to pursue them.
For many counselors, the focus on ethics and real-world application was especially impactful. “The ethics discussion was exactly what I enjoy… I feel more prepared to help students understand ‘fraud’ and responsible technology use,” one participant shared.
Another reflected, “The most valuable aspect was thinking differently about AI. I gained a better understanding of the risks and ethics that I can now take back to my district.”
The LDI agenda also prioritized leadership development, helping counselors build toolkits to scale their learning within schools, districts, and communities. By the end of the program, the majority of participants reported a significant increase in their knowledge of AI ethics and security, along with greater confidence in advising students about computing pathways.
As one participant noted, “Any time we can get together with other school counselors who see the value in computing, it is so helpful. The connection with others was the most valuable part.”
Looking Ahead
NCWIT C4C’s efforts in Pittsburgh this year demonstrate what’s possible when regional partnerships, targeted funding, and dedicated educators come together around a shared goal: preparing students for meaningful, secure, and ethical participation in the digital world.
With continued support from the Hillman Foundation, the C4C program will keep building on this momentum, expanding access to cybersecurity education, strengthening counselor leadership, and opening doors for students across the Pittsburgh region and beyond.
