Date & Time: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 2 p.m.
As CTE programs of study evolve alongside industry demand, schools need flexible new options to expand career pathways for students without having to build entirely new programs from the ground up. That means courses that can strengthen existing programs of study, complement related offerings, or stand on their own.
In this 30-minute Ed Talk, school and district leaders and College Board experts will discuss new opportunities to improve career readiness, including AP Networking, the newest AP Career Kickstart course that’s expanding what’s possible in AP. Hear how AP Networking, along with AP Cybersecurity, brings career pathways in networking and IT to a broader range of students, while preparing them for a field projected to grow four times faster than the national average, with salaries reaching $130K.
Key Takeaways:
- New Course, New Opportunity: What AP Networking is and why it’s launching for the 2027-28 school year
- Career Pathway Expansion: How the course can be paired with AP Cybersecurity or standalone, and opens doors to some of tech’s fastest-growing, highest-paying fields
- No Barrier to Entry: How the course welcomes first-time AP students, no coding or networking background required
- Real-World Readiness: How students practice with real scenarios — from troubleshooting school networks to investigating security incidents
Speakers
Christopher Brida
Director of Career and Technical Education and Pathways, Portland Public Schools (OR)
Regina Smith, NBCT
CompTIA Security + Certified Cybersecurity Instructor, Kearns Academy of Computer and Information Technology
CK-AP Summer Institute Facilitator and AP Reader – Cybersecurity/Computer Science, College Board
Andy Tucker
Senior Director, AP Access & Implementation, College Board
Former Director of Student Support, Boulder Valley School District (CO)
Moriah Walker
Director for AP Networking Curriculum and Assessment, College Board
Sponsored by
