The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has announced that it will participate in the College Board’s AP Career Kickstart courses, launching an AP Cybersecurity and AP Networking pilot in three Mississippi high schools this fall.
The AP courses – or Advanced Placement courses – will allow students to earn college credit and employer-endorsed credentials.
MDE said it will pilot AP Cybersecurity and AP Networking at Brandon High School and Richland High School in the Rankin County School District, and Harrison Central High School in the Harrison County School District.
These schools sent teachers to attend an AP Career Kickstart Summer Institute, and they will receive ongoing support during the 2025-2026 school year.
“These new courses will expand opportunities for Mississippi students to prepare for high-demand, high-wage careers while ensuring students graduate with the financial literacy skills they will use throughout their lives,” said Lance Evans, state superintendent of education.
“By combining rigorous academics with industry-endorsed credentials, we are opening doors to both immediate career opportunities and college pathways for our students,” Evans added.
AP Cybersecurity equips students with the technical expertise and professional skills needed to pursue careers in the fast-growing cybersecurity sector. The year-long course aligns with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Workforce Framework.
AP Networking offers students training in the field and mirrors the curriculum of standard first-year college networking courses. Students learn core networking concepts through hands-on activities, gaining skills in network hardware, configuration, data transmission protocols, and relevant security practices.
The pilot will provide a model for other schools when AP Cybersecurity and AP Networking become available statewide in the 2026-2027 school year. MDE said it will also offer AP Business with Personal Finance statewide starting in the 2026-2027 school year.
