March 2026 Newsletter

As spring approaches, it’s the perfect time to explore fresh CS ideas and opportunities. This month’s CSinPA newsletter is packed with resources, events, and updates to keep you inspired. Stay connected by joining our Community of Practice!

Registration is Still Open — and We Still Have Space!

We’re excited to announce that our Cybersecurity Education Through Capture the Flag (CTF) professional learning experience is back for another round this spring, following a successful fall offering!

This two-day, hands-on workshop is designed for Pennsylvania educators interested in bringing engaging, real-world cybersecurity experiences into grades 6–12 classrooms. Participants will explore CTF methodology, solve authentic cybersecurity challenges, and learn practical strategies for integrating CTFs into instruction aligned to CSTA standards.

Workshop Dates & Locations:

• March 11–12 — PaTTAN Central (Harrisburg)
  

• March 18–19 — Montgomery County Community College
  

• March 23–24 — University of Pittsburgh
  
  

There is no cost to participate. Breakfast and lunch are provided, travel and lodging are available for qualifying participants, and eligible educators may earn a $450 stipend for completing both days. No prior cybersecurity experience is required—just an interest in preparing students for high-demand technology careers.

To Register visit the Cybersecurity through Capture the Flag Flyer

Join us on March 4 at 3:30 for the next episode of Cyber Bytes featuring Matt McLaughlin, United States Air Force Veteran and Instructor of Computer Networking and Systems Administration at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. Originally from the Scranton, PA area, Matt brings real-world experience from the Cyber Systems Operations field along with a background in IT, hardware, structured cabling, and fiber optics. Now teaching in the very program he graduated from, Matt is passionate about preparing students for hands-on careers in networking and cybersecurity.

In this episode, we’ll explore Matt’s transition from military cyber operations to education, how to build strong cyber and networking pathways for students, what today’s employers are really looking for, and why leadership and relationships matter in technical careers. This conversation will be especially valuable for educators, CTE programs, and anyone interested in connecting classroom learning to real-world cyber opportunities.

For more information, to RSVP for this event, and to view past recordings or upcoming Cyber Bytes topics, visit the Cyber Bytes Webinar Series Flyer.

The CSinPA team is currently hosting a series of webinars covering all the different ways AI is impacting education. You can find the schedule of upcoming topics, along with recordings of past webinars, in this section of our Community of Practice.

Upcoming Topics

3/18 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm – AI as Your Teaching Assistant

3/24 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm – AI in the K-3 Classroom

Visit the AI in Education Webinar Series flyer for more information.

Registration is now open for the new courses, and enrollment is still available for our existing courses in our Micro-credential Program.

New Courses:

• Implementing Accessible Educational Materials (Courses begin March 7)

• CS learning and Executive Functioning: Practical Strategies (Courses begin March 7)

The following courses are still available:

• AI in the Classroom: Introduction (2-hour)

• AI in the Classroom: Integrating AI to Support Student Learning (4- hour)

• Cybersecurity in the K-8 classroom: Introduction (2-hour)

• Cybersecurity Frameworks and Standards: Aligning Your Curriculum with Industry Best Practices (4 hour)

• Using Music to Engage Students in CS Learning (4-hour)

• Empowering all students in CS Learning through a Behavioral approach (4-hour)

• Data Science and CS: Introduction (4-hour)

Additionally, Introduction to CS Education (3 hours) is available on the SAS website. This is our previous foundational CSinPA: Why, What, and How, which can be accessed through the PD Center on the Standards Aligned System (SAS) website (enrollment instructions).

Fast Forward Cyber is a two-part, statewide experience for Pennsylvania high school computer science teachers and their students and both events are FREE.

Part 1: Virtual Capture the Flag (CTF) Challenge

April 17 (8:00 AM) – April 19 (11:59 PM)

Compete against schools across PA in a virtual cybersecurity challenge hosted on Hack The Box. Teams of 4–6 students solve real-world cyber problems, capture flags, and compete for prizes. (Up to two teams per school.)

Part 2: Cyber Ignite In Person event.

April 20 | 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Montgomery County Community College (Blue Bell)

An in-person CTF experience plus opportunities to connect with industry partners and explore cybersecurity career pathways.

Hands-on. Competitive. Career-connected.

Bring your students and fast forward their future in cybersecurity.

To sign up for the Virtual event or the live event or both go to this link to register.

We’re excited to share a new space for educators who are teaching, exploring, or simply curious about drones in K–12 learning: PA FlyLab!

PA FlyLab is our new Community of Practice designed to connect educators across Pennsylvania who are involved in the drone programs we’ve been building together. It’s a place to:

• Connect with other educators running drone clubs, courses, camps, or classroom projects

• Share resources (lesson ideas, flight activities, safety guidance, career connections, and more)

• Stay in the loop on program updates, events, and opportunities

• Celebrate wins and troubleshoot challenges with a supportive network

Whether you’re already part of one of our drone initiatives or you’re just getting started, you’re welcome here.

Join PA FlyLab

We’d love to see you inside—introduce yourself, share what you’re working on, and help us grow a vibrant drones-in-education community across PA!

K-12 educators and administrators in Pennsylvania, this is your chance to collaborate, share insights, and influence the future of AI in schools. Join Penn State AI researchers and K-12 experts for a dynamic learning and listening session on the future of AI in education, exclusively for k-12 educators and administrators.

Event Highlights:

• Informative presentations from Penn State AI specialists

• Interactive sessions to voice your concerns and experiences

• Networking opportunities with fellow educators

What You Will Gain:

• Foundational insights on generative AI in K-12 education

• Understanding AI's role in workforce development

• Discussions on policy implications and professional development

• Addressing ethics and sustainability issues in AI

Check out the schedule

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the American Institutes for Research (AIR) are conducting focus groups with middle and high school students (grades 7–12) who are enrolled in computer science (CS) courses or CS-related career and technical education (CTE) programs.

Participation will help PDE better understand how to strengthen CS and CTE learning experiences for all learners.

Please share this opportunity with students and families!

Details at a glance:

• Who: Students in grades 7–12 enrolled in CS or CS-related CTE courses

• What: 60-minute virtual focus group facilitated by AIR

• When: Focus groups held through March, 2026. Families select times through the sign-up link.

• Incentive: Each participating student will receive a $40 Amazon e-gift card as a thank-you
  
  

Families can sign up online.