Cisco Partners With College Board To Launch AP Cybersecurity and Expand Career-Connected Learning

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2026 / By Ryan Rose

This blog was co-authored by Jennifer Mulhern, Vice President of AP Program Access, College Board

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Cybersecurity professionals have become essential to protecting our society's critical infrastructure. Yet globally, 4.8 million cybersecurity-related vacancies remain unfilled, and organizations across industries are feeling the impact. As the demand for talent continues to grow, the pipeline isn't keeping pace.

As AI introduces more sophisticated cyber threats, many students are eager to explore careers in the field. Too often, they lack access to learning experiences that help them build real-world skills. Instead, they're asked to choose between coursework that prepares them for college and learning that prepares them for careers.