Vermont Cyber Start
A High School Dual-Enrollment Program
Vermont high school juniors and seniors have an exciting new opportunity to get a head start in cybersecurity, one of the nation's most in-demand fields. In partnership with NuHarbor Security, Champlain College is offering a dual-enrollment program to prepare students for future success in cybersecurity.
Your Cybersecurity Journey Starts Here
Our digital world can be a scary place. Hackers and criminals target our phones, video games, health care and transportation systems—anything connected to the internet. And the people who keep us safe from those threats, cybersecurity professionals, are in high demand.
What the Vermont Cyber Start Program Offers You
This program is designed to give you a head start in cybersecurity while earning college credits, preparing you for future opportunities in the field.
Through Vermont Cyber Start, you will:
- take three online undergraduate courses from Champlain College while still in high school and earn nine (9) transferable college credits;
- get a head start in cybersecurity with hands-on experience through Champlain’s partnership with NuHarbor Security;
- gain skills to position yourself for future cybersecurity internships and jobs;
- receive conditional acceptance to Champlain College; and
- during your first cybersecurity internship or job, take an optional fourth course (for a total of 12 college credits) to turbocharge your professional skills and earn a Trusted Advisor Badge.
Career Outlook
According to Glassdoor.com, cybersecurity professionals earn competitive salaries, reflecting the high demand for their specialized skills.
Job growth for Information Security Analysts jobs expected between 2023 to 2033 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – MUCH faster than the 4% average for all occupations.
The projected number of job openings each year for the next decade according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — the fifth fastest-growing occupation.
Cyber Start Program Benefits
Learn Online and in Real Life
Students learn online from a Champlain College professor, and the courses also offer live sessions and hands-on projects. NuHarbor Security offers students opportunities to apply what they learn in practical, industry-relevant scenarios.
Start Learning Right Away
Vermont high school students can begin Vermont Cyber Start during their junior or senior year. Start with one course in the fall or spring semester, and complete the first three courses in as little as two semesters.
Earn Your First College Acceptance
Successfully completing the first three courses earns you conditional acceptance to Champlain College, along with nine (9) transferable college credits—giving you a head start toward a college degree.
Prepare for Big Opportunities
Ninety-six percent of Champlain College cybersecurity graduates are employed in their field and earn a median starting salary of $70,000. With 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide, this program positions you for a future in one of the most in-demand professions, bolstered by NuHarbor’s industry expertise.
How It Works
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Step 1: Start with these three courses
Get a head start on your cybersecurity career by taking three college-level courses while in high school, building a strong foundation for internships and future entry-level opportunities when paired with continued education.
- Choose from a two or three-semester pathway.
- Choose to start in the fall or spring.
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Two-Semester Schedule Semester 1 SEC 110
Cybersecurity Fundamentals(3 credits)Semester 2 SEC 250
Computer & Network Security(3 credits)ITS 193
Information Technology & Sciences Internship I(3 credits)Semester 3 (no courses, sequence complete) Three-Semester Schedule Semester 1 SEC 110
Cybersecurity Fundamentals(3 credits)Semester 2 SEC 250
Computer & Network Security(3 creditsSemester 3 ITS 193
Information Technology & Sciences Internship I(3 credits)You will earn:
- Nine (9) transferable college credits
- Certificate of Completion
- Conditional acceptance to Champlain College
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Step 2: Get your first internship or job
Get your first cybersecurity internship or job after high school graduation and take a fourth college course for credit while you work to develop your professional skills and turbocharge your career.
You will earn:
- Three transferable college credits (for 12 total college credits)
- A Trusted Advisor Badge recognized by NuHarbor Security
How To Apply
Applying for dual-enrollment at Champlain College is quick and easy.
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Create Your Account
On the “Welcome to Champlain College Create Your Account” page, fill in your first and last name, and add an email address that you use frequently. Under “What type of student are you?” select “High School Student.”
Under “Find Your High School” start typing in the full name of your high school until the correct name of your school appears, then click to choose it. Click “Submit.”
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Check Your Email
You will get a “Thank You” page asking you to check your email. You will immediately receive the email with the subject line: “Your Application Portal Password.” Click the “Create or Reset My Password” link, which will take you to the “Create Password” page.
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Reset Your Password
Click the “Reset Password” button. On the “Create Password” page, create a password using numbers and letters. Confirm your password. Click the “Create Password” button.
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Start Your Application
On your Application Dashboard, select “Start a New Application.” On the “New Application“ screen, under “What type of student are you?” select “Undergraduate On Campus Course (non-degree).” Under term, select “Spring 2025.” Click “Start Application.”
Please note that ALL Vermont Cyber Start classes are fully online and are being offered by our undergraduate on-campus faculty.
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Complete Your Application
Fill out the one page application. Required information is marked with a red arrow; other information is optional. Complete each section, and click “Save and Continue.”
In the “Contact Information” section, after “Postal Code,” you will see a required question: “Relationship to Champlain,” click where it says “Please select an option,” and select “Vermont Cyber Start.”
At the end, click “Save and Review Application.” Review your answers and, if you are ready, click the “Submit Your Application” button.
Please note, that if you do not click the Submit Your Application button, you have not applied to the Vermont Cyber Start Dual-Enrollment Program! On the final page, verify that your information is true and correct by clicking the box. Type your full name in the “Electronic Signature” box. Click “Verify & Submit.”
You will receive a “Thank you for submitting your application!” message on the final page.
Congratulations, you’ve applied for the Vermont Cyber Start Dual-Enrollment Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some common questions about the program.
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How do I apply for the program?
Applications are open for classes that begin January 2025 (spring semester). Please see the full instructions on how to complete the application.
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How much does it cost?
Vermont students can use their dual-enrollment vouchers for the first two classes. Students who have successfully completed the first course will be eligible for full financial assistance for the third course.
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Do I need a technology background?
The program is designed to teach you what you need to know and give you hands-on experiences to practice what you learn. So, while no prior coursework, coding, or technology experience is required, it is desirable, and students with technology backgrounds will be able to use their knowledge to go deeper into their coursework.
Successful cybersecurity students often enjoy problem-solving, helping others, and hard work.
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Who takes these classes?
Students who enroll in cybersecurity programs come from all backgrounds and interests, and anyone can get started in the field. Champlain College’s undergraduate programs are designed to accommodate diverse populations, providing foundational knowledge and specialized skills in areas such as network security, ethical hacking, and digital forensics.
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Can I use these credits for college?
Absolutely. Champlain College will count these transferable credits toward your Computer Networking & Cybersecurity or Digital Forensics undergraduate degree, and by completing the program, you will earn conditional acceptance to Champlain College. Other colleges may accept these credits as well, at their own discretion.
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What if I just want to get a job?
The program provides a strong foundation for cybersecurity internships and future entry-level positions, such as a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst Level 1 role. Students should continue their cybersecurity education in a postsecondary program to be competitive for these entry-level roles.
Students may take an additional class to develop their professional skills during their first cybersecurity internship or job. This will earn students three more college credits and a Trusted Security Advisor badge recognized by NuHarbor Security.
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Can these credits help me earn a scholarship?
Students who complete the first nine credits and are continuing their cyber studies at Champlain College or other higher education institution are eligible for a $1,500 Success Scholarship from NuHarbor Security, awarded to the top students each year.
A National Leader in Cybersecurity Education
as a national Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence (CDFAE) by the U.S. Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center and as a national Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency.
of Computer Networking & Cybersecurity majors and Digital Forensics majors in the Class of 2023 achieved career success within six months after graduation. That’s success you can see.
Cybersecurity students competed against a team of professional hackers in a two-day cyber defense competition during the annual Northeast Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (NECCDC), taking second place overall.
NuHarbor Security
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About Our PartnerNuHarbor Security, based in Vermont, prides itself on making cybersecurity stronger and easier for its clients, helping them better understand and protect themselves. As the Vermont Cyber Start program sponsor, NuHarbor will supply learning opportunities and funding to strengthen the future cybersecurity workforce.