Six students and two teachers from Briar Woods High School and the Academies of Loudoun attended the 2nd Annual Quad Cyber Challenge (QCC) at The White House on Thursday, October 10. The event, held in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, featured two panels: one with cybersecurity experts and another with high school students from California, Colorado and Virginia.
The “Unlocking Cybersecurity Career Pathways to Success and Global Security” event emphasized the growing need for cybersecurity education and workforce development. Students and industry professionals discussed cybersecurity initiatives with policy advisors from the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of the National Cyber Director.
LCPS students Rithvik Amaragani, Daniel Mayer, Ishita Samant, Pranjali Sanwal, Ria Singh and Shahzaib Tariq were accompanied by Christina Oak, a CTE teacher at Briar Woods, and Jeremy Staples, a cybersecurity teacher at the Academies of Loudoun's Monroe Advanced Technical Academy.
The students reflected on their experiences at the Quad Cyber Challenge, highlighting key insights gained from their interactions with cybersecurity professionals and policy leaders. Ria Singh explored future threats posed by quantum computing while Shahzaib Tariq valued the diversity within the cybersecurity field. Rithvik Amaragani and Daniel Mayer found inspiration in conversations with national leaders, gaining insights on education and policy. Pranjali Sanwal and Ishita Samant were motivated by fellow students from across the country and expressed excitement about advancing cybersecurity education in Virginia.
“The Quad Cyber Challenge offered our students a unique opportunity to engage with top cybersecurity professionals and contribute to critical conversations about the future of cybersecurity education and workforce development,” Dr. Michael Grubbs, the Director, Career, Technical, and Adult Education shared. “The insights students gained and the connections they made at this event are invaluable as we prepare the next generation to tackle the growing challenges in the field. I am incredibly proud of our students and teachers for representing LCPS at such a prestigious event and for their commitment to advancing cybersecurity education in Virginia.”
Cybersecurity professionals are increasingly needed to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive information. According to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS), there are over 4.8 million open cybersecurity positions worldwide. High school cybersecurity programs equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate technological risks and safeguard personal and organizational information.
The Quad Cyber Challenge provided LCPS students with a platform to actively shape the future of cybersecurity while gaining invaluable knowledge and experiences that will support their continued growth in this critical field.