Keller Schroeder is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with MSD Mount Vernon to establish the Keller Schroeder Cybersecurity Academy at Mount Vernon High School. This initiative is made possible through a $125,000 Perkins Education Readiness Grant awarded by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education for the 2024–2025 academic year.
The Keller Schroeder Cybersecurity Academy is designed to provide students with the skills, experience, and industry exposure necessary to thrive in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. Over the past year, Keller Schroeder has collaborated closely with MSD Mount Vernon to develop this innovative program, which aims to prepare students for high-demand, high-paying careers in cybersecurity.
“We’re preparing our students for careers of the future, while simultaneously strengthening our community through meaningful partnerships with industry leaders like Keller Schroeder.”
Brian Hagan, Assistant Superintendent of MSD Mount Vernon
Empowering Students and Strengthening the Community
“This program is about more than just technology—it’s about opportunity,” said Brian Hagan, Assistant Superintendent of MSD Mount Vernon. “We’re preparing our students for careers of the future, while simultaneously strengthening our community through meaningful partnerships with industry leaders like Keller Schroeder.”
The three-year Next Level Program of Study (NLPS) in Cybersecurity will include:
- Year 1: Principles of Computing (Dual Credit: SDEV 120 – Computing Logic, 3 credits)
- Year 2: Cybersecurity Fundamentals (Dual Credit: ITSP 132 & 134 – IT Support Essentials I & II, 4 credits total)
- Year 3: Cybersecurity Capstone (Dual Credit: SVAD III – Linux Virtualization Technology Fundamentals, 3 credits)
Students enrolled in the program will receive dual credit and industry certifications while working closely with instructors who are active industry professionals. The cybersecurity lab, funded by the grant, will include advanced simulation tools and virtual environments that mirror real-world IT and cybersecurity scenarios.
A Partnership for Real-World Readiness
Keller Schroeder’s involvement in the Cybersecurity Academy extends far beyond a name on the door. The company will:
- Offer mentorship and classroom engagement
- Help shape the curriculum to match industry needs
- Provide internship opportunities for senior-year students
- Assist in identifying future career pathways in cybersecurity
This mutually beneficial partnership creates a pipeline of skilled local talent for our region while enhancing students’ postsecondary and workforce readiness. It aligns with Indiana’s vision for rigorous, relevant education through NLPS and supports the region’s growing demand for cybersecurity professionals.
A Vision for the Future
“This program represents what education should look like today—collaborative, innovative, and future-focused,” said Hagan. “We’re honored to have received the top award and even more excited about what it means for our students, our community, and our future workforce.”
Keller Schroeder is proud to be a part of this transformative initiative and looks forward to contributing to the development of the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. If you would like to learn more, please reach out to the Keller Schroeder team.
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