CSIU Program Highlight:PA National Guard Cyber Protection Team
Pennsylvania National Guard’s Task Force CYBER Saves Pennsylvanians nearly $600,000 from Online Threats in 2025
PA Army National Guard’s Cyber Protection Team logged 1,170 Free Assessment Hours, Helping to Safeguard Commonwealth Organizations from Online Threats
Annville, PA – Newly gathered data shows that the Pennsylvania National Guard (PANG) Cyber Protection Team provided 1,170 hours of free cybersecurity training throughout the commonwealth in 2025, saving Pennsylvanians nearly $600,000.
The PANG Cyber Protection Team provides cybersecurity training on vulnerability and critical infrastructure assessments, penetration testing, and network monitoring. The training teaches Pennsylvanians how to recognize, avoid, and respond to online threats such as phishing attacks, malware, and data breaches.
“Increased funding will help meet rising cybersecurity demands while safeguarding our communities and the critical systems they rely on,” said Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “Expanding these efforts will also strengthen coordination between state and local partners, ensuring organizations across Pennsylvania are better prepared to prevent, detect, and respond to evolving cyber threats.”
Pennsylvania is known to be a high-value target for cyberattacks because of its vast critical infrastructure, healthcare, and finance sectors.
“Protecting our communities today means strengthening our defenses in cyberspace,” said Lt. Col. Christine Pierce, director, Cyber Operations. “The Pennsylvania National Guard Cyber Protection Team is providing critical training to local governments, schools, and infrastructure partners so they can recognize, prevent, and respond to evolving cyber threats. We appreciate the continued investment at the state level as it helps ensure these essential services remain available to protect Pennsylvanians and the systems we rely on every day.”
In the months ahead, the Pennsylvania National Guard Cyber Protection Team will continue managing its busy workload, while working to expand its reach to serve more communities across the commonwealth.
“Working with the Pennsylvania National Guard Cyber Protection Team has provided us with valuable insights and guidance to strengthen our cybersecurity posture,” said Brian Paulhamus, director of technology, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit. “Their penetration testing and assessments deliver actionable findings that help us identify gaps, improve our defenses, and better safeguard the sensitive information entrusted to us by Pennsylvania residents. We strongly recommend their services to organizations looking to enhance their cybersecurity readiness. Their partnership has been instrumental in advancing our technical capabilities and supporting our long-term resilience.”
Photo Caption: PA Army National Guard’s Cyber Protection Team worked with CSIU team members to test and safeguard CSIU cybersecurity.
Governor Shapiro’s 2026-27 budget proposal would increase funding for PANG’s Cyber Protection Team which would help to meet the increase in additional cyber operations to support state and county agencies.
Organizations interested in cybersecurity assessment should call 717-712-6474 or 717-861-3416 to check eligibility and availability.
Credit: Commonwealth of PA website
STEM Challenge & Regional AI Summit Highlight Innovation
and Student Voice More than 80 students from eight school districts participated in a three-hour 2026 K’Nex Design Challenge at the CSIU, centered on the theme Eco-Factory: Build a Sustainable Production Machine. Led by CSIU educational consultant Colleen Epler-Ruths, the event challenged elementary and middle school teams to design and demonstrate sustainable factory prototypes using K’Nex, Engino, and recycled materials, with a focus on efficiency and waste reduction. Nineteen teams participated, with Midd-West (elementary division) and Central Columbia (middle school division) advancing to the state championship at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex. Additional participating districts included Danville, Berwick, River Valley Nature School, Line Mountain, Mifflinburg, and Millville. Judges and organizers praised students for their creativity, teamwork, and forward-thinking ideas, reinforcing the value of hands-on STEM experiences that prepare students to engage with real-world challenges.
Additional coverage is available below through local media, including The Milton Standard-Journal and a WNEP-TV segment: Purpose-Driven Learning: CSIU hosts K'Nex Design Challenge
In addition, administrators, teachers, and students from across the region recently participated in a student-focused artificial intelligence summit hosted by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit to help inform district-wide approaches to AI.
The event featured keynote sessions on responsible and innovative AI use, student-led panel discussions highlighting authentic experiences, and hands-on opportunities to explore emerging tools. At the same time, central office leaders engaged with AI solution providers to discuss current challenges and provide feedback on developing technologies. Participants described the experience as energizing and practical, emphasizing the importance of intentional AI integration that strengthens instruction while maintaining a strong focus on relationships and student-centered learning.
Stronger Connections Conference The Stronger Connections Conference was held March 17–20, 2026, in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, bringing together more than 180 participants and expanding to include educators, administrators, student support staff, school resource officers and community mental health professionals.
The conference was presented by the Center for Safe Schools, the Pennsylvania for Social, Emotional and Mental Well-Being (PASEMWB), the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) and the Center for Schools and Communities, and funded through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Stronger Connections Grant in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Sessions focused on strengthening school safety through connection and collaboration and included keynote presentations, breakout sessions and institutes.
A featured highlight was a youth panel with students from the Chester-Upland School District, who shared perspectives on social and emotional learning, school belonging, bullying prevention and digital citizenship. Their participation reinforced the importance of student voice and collaboration in creating safe, supportive school environments.
Selinsgrove Area Students Visit Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center hosted Selinsgrove Area Middle School students for a hands-on career exploration experience focused on nursing pathways.
Director Ashlee Bowers and instructor Amy Gaines, R.N., led the visit, guiding students through interactive learning activities including use of the Anatomage table, anatomy exercises, CPR practice and clinical simulations.
The visit was supported by Selinsgrove Area School District career counselor Rebecca Schaffer-Neitz and teacher Bryan Mohr. Students participated in activities designed to introduce healthcare career opportunities and build awareness of nursing pathways.
Excellence in Special Education Education CTE students from Mifflinburg, Selinsgrove and Warrior Run school districts participated in a March 17 visit to Susquehanna University as part of the Developing Future Educators Grant. During the visit, students toured campus facilities, observed college classes and prepared and delivered a lesson to preschool students, gaining hands-on experience in teaching and special education pathways.
The visit is part of a two-year grant designed to provide experiential learning opportunities for students interested in education careers. Despite weather-related delays limiting participation for some schools, the experience generated strong student engagement and positive feedback, with plans to continue the program.
Across regional special education programs, students and staff continue to demonstrate meaningful engagement, creativity and community connection. Classroom activities included hands-on history projects aligned to the American Revolution and Civil War, highlighted by the creation of a nearly three-foot-tall Liberty Bell. Student work was submitted to the Bill of Rights Institute as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary, where instructor Tracy Smith was recognized nationally as a Civic Star Champion and Civic Star Challenge winner.
Additional programming emphasized mental health awareness, family engagement and real-world skill development. A student-led initiative, “Together We Rise,” promoted schoolwide connection and support, while family engagement events focused on service projects such as creating blankets for Project Linus and supporting local organizations, including Mostly Mutts.
Students also demonstrated leadership beyond the classroom by presenting at a county commissioners meeting in recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and raising awareness of initiatives such as PA ABLE. Across programs, students participated in enrichment opportunities including clubs, university partnerships, PBIS incentives and community-based learning experiences, reinforcing collaboration, social skills and positive behavior while preparing for success beyond school.
The event featured keynote sessions on responsible and innovative AI use, student-led panel discussions highlighting authentic experiences, and hands-on opportunities to explore emerging tools. At the same time, central office leaders engaged with AI solution providers to discuss current challenges and provide feedback on developing technologies. Participants described the experience as energizing and practical, emphasizing the importance of intentional AI integration that strengthens instruction while maintaining a strong focus on relationships and student-centered learning.
