Registration is now open for the ASCEND Showcase, taking place May 1 in Pittsburgh following the CAE in Cybersecurity Symposium. The ASCEND (Aligned Skills Curriculum and Experiential Network Design) Initiative, led by the Department of War Cyber Academic Engagement Office, is a national effort to advance innovative, scalable cybersecurity education models aligned to workforce needs and emerging technologies like AI. As part of this initiative, 3–5 finalist teams will present and defend their proposed curriculum frameworks before a panel of senior judges, mentors, and a live audience. The event highlights cutting-edge approaches to building a skilled cyber workforce, with finalist teams receiving recognition, cash awards, and the opportunity for continued mentorship toward future government-funded programs.

Register Here

ASCEND Showcase Agenda

Room details will be shared with registered attendees.

8:30 – 8:40 AM
Introduction
Dr. Zoe Fowler, DoW CIO Cyber Academic Engagement Office
An overview of the CAEO’s office in relation to grants, explaining governance processes and funding flows.

8:40 – 8:55 AM
The Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E)
Speaking to the DoW perspective on soliciting research proposals.

8:55 – 9:30 AM
Practicalities
Alice Smitley, Workforce Innovation Directorate – DoW Cyber Service Academy, Program Manager
Running grants over the past few decades.

9:30 – 9:45 AM
A View of the Year Ahead
Mr. Scott Nelson, Principal Director, DoW CIO Cyber Academic Engagement Office

Identifying CAEO and DoW priorities and anticipating funding calls for 2026/2027.

9:45 – 10:00 AM
Engaging Regional and State Partners

Tony Coulson
Communicating with local congress members.

10:00 – 10:30 AM
Break

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
ASCEND Competition
Finalists present the defense of their ASCEND framework.

12:00 PM
End