Vermont Cyber Start Dual Enrollment
High school juniors and seniors can get a head start in cybersecurity, one of the nation's most in-demand fields, through a partnership between Champlain College and NuHarbor Security.
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 Students
This program is designed to introduce you to the growing cybersecurity industry while earning college credits and preparing you for future opportunities in the field.
Through Vermont Cyber Start, you will:
- take up to 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 (pending successful completion of coursework);
- 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 Security Advisor Badge; and
- earn an undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity.
Career Outlook
Median annual salary for cybersecurity professionals, according to Glassdoor.com.
Job growth for Information Security Analyst 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.
Cyber Start Program Benefits
Learn Online and in Real Life
Learn online from a Champlain College professor with hands-on projects and one required 75-minute synchronous online session each week. NuHarbor Security offers you opportunities to apply what you learn in practical, industry-relevant scenarios.
Start Learning Right Away
As a high school student, you can begin Vermont Cyber Start in the fall or spring of your junior or senior year.
Earn Your First College Acceptance
Successfully completing the first three courses earns students conditional acceptance to Champlain College, along with nine (9) transferable college credits—giving students 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 up to three college-level courses while in high school, building a strong foundation for internships and future entry-level opportunities when paired with continued education. All students begin by taking SEC 110 Cybersecurity Fundamentals.
Students are invited to take all three courses consecutively and begin in either the fall or spring semester.
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 1 SEC 110
Cybersecurity Fundamentals(3 credits)Based on what’s offered:Semester 2 SEC 250
Computer & Network Security(3 credits)
OR
ITS 193
Information Technology & Sciences Internship I(3 credits)Based on what you took in semester 2:Semester 2 SEC 250
Computer & Network Security(3 credits)
OR
ITS 193
Information Technology & Sciences Internship I(3 credits)Students who choose to take all three courses will receive:
- Nine (9) transferable college credits
- An Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
- Conditional acceptance to Champlain College (pending successful completion of coursework)
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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 optional college course for credit while you work to develop your professional skills and turbocharge your career.
You will earn:
- Three additional transferable additional college credits
- A Trusted Security Advisor Badge recognized by NuHarbor Security
Where Investment Meets Opportunity
of Computer Networking & Cybersecurity majors in the Class of 2024 were either employed or continuing their education just six months after graduation.
of Digital Forensics majors in the Class of 2024 were either employed or continuing their education just six months after graduation.
How To Apply
Applying for the Vermont Cyber Start program at Champlain College is quick and easy.
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Create Your Account
(If you have already created an account, skip to the “Start Your Application” section below.)
On the “Application for Admission” 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 Non-Degree Course or High School Dual Enrollment.” Under term, select the term in which you plan to attend. 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.”
When asked “Which type of enrollment are you interested in?” select “Cyber Start.” Complete the remainder of the questions.
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.
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What’s Next
Please check your email for communications from Champlain College. These emails will allow you to select your course and will provide instructions on how to set up your Champlain College Student Account.
If you plan to use a dual enrollment voucher, your guidance counselor can assist you with this process.
If you are not using a dual enrollment voucher or attending an approved Vermont Career Technical Education Center, you will be sent an invoice to cover course fees.
Questions? Email dualenrollment@champlain.edu
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?
Our application is now open. Applications (and dual enrollment vouchers, if using one) are due:
- August 20: for Fall semester
- January 5: for 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 courses. Students who successfully complete the first two courses will be eligible for full financial assistance for the third course.
Don’t have access to dual enrollment vouchers? Please reach out to dualenrollment@champlain.edu to discuss options.
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Do I need a technology background?
The program is designed to teach student what they need to know and give them hands-on experiences to practice what they learn. So, while no prior coursework, coding, or technology experience is required, it is desirable. 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 students’ Computer Networking & Cybersecurity or Digital Forensics undergraduate degree, and by completing the program, students 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.
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Do I have to take all four courses?
Depending on what year of high school you begin the Cyber Start program, you can take one to three courses beginning with the first course, SEC 110 Cybersecurity Fundamentals. After that, you work with an Advisor to determine the best path forward.
National Recognition
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DC3 DesignationRecognized as a National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence (CDFAE) by the U.S. Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3), Champlain College meets or exceeds the standards set by the DC3 and produces highly sought-after graduates in digital forensics and cybersecurity.
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NSA DesignationA National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense Education as designated by the National Security Agency (NSA), Champlain College’s cybersecurity courses, curriculum, and practices meet the criteria established by the NSA and federal partners such as the FBI and the Department of Defense.
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.
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