1-2-Free is the Montana University System's Dual Enrollment program, initiated in August 2018 as a pilot project. Funded by the Montana University System, this program aims to increase access to higher education for high school students, reduce education costs for Montana families, and enhance student success.
Eligible students can sign up for two dual enrollment courses, or up to six credits, at no cost. Students facing financial hardship can apply for scholarships to cover tuition for additional dual enrollment courses.
Once a student has used their 1-2-Free benefits, CyberMontana will pay for additional credit hours leading to the completion of the CTS Program. We also provide two vouchers to be used toward the CompTIA Network+ and the CompTIA Security+ Industry.
Through Missoula College and participating Montana high schools, eligible high school juniors and seniors, or students between the ages of 16 to 19, can take college-level courses while still in high school and earn both high school and college credit.
Dual Enrollment gives students an early introduction to cybersecurity, information technology, and related career fields. Students can build foundational skills, experience college-level learning, and begin making progress toward a Missoula College certificate or degree before graduating from high school.
Course availability, eligibility requirements, and delivery options may vary by participating high school.
The Missoula College Early College Cybersecurity Program allows eligible high school juniors and seniors, or those between the ages of 16 to 19, from any Montana high school to begin the Cybersecurity Certificate of Technical Studies program before graduating.
Students may participate in person at Missoula College or complete courses online, providing access regardless of where they live in Montana. Through the program, students earn college credit, build practical cybersecurity and information technology skills, and make progress toward a recognized Missoula College credential.
Unlike Dual Enrollment opportunities offered through participating high schools, Early College allows eligible students to enroll directly in Missoula College courses, even when the program is not available through their local school.
Interested in becoming a faculty affiliate?
Are you a high school instructor who is thinking about offering a concurrent enrollment/dual credit course?
Need some guidance?
Whether you are ready to hop into the application process, or need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
CyberMontana is a statewide initiative that partners with the University of Montana to provide cybersecurity training and workforce development for organizations and residents of Montana.
The cost of the online training format is $30 annually per individual user or employee (public and non-profit sector pricing is also available).
Security Awareness is the knowledge and habits that help people avoid, recognize, and respond to cyber threats. Security Awareness matters because many cyberattacks begin with simple human mistakes.
CyberMontana’s Security Awareness Training is for any Montana organization that wants to help its people recognize cyber risks and respond safely. This includes employees, supervisors, board members, volunteers, and anyone else who uses email, handles information, or supports daily operations.
You’re welcome to bring a phone, tablet, or laptop if you’d like to follow along or ask questions about your own device. But no worries if you don’t bring anything - you can still participate, learn, and leave with practical tips you can use right away.
Getting started depends on your goals and where you are in your career:
CyberMontana can help learners identify flexible career development opportunities in cybersecurity, IT, and emerging technology that support continued growth and career advancement.
The CyberMontana Self-Assessment helps potential learners identify which program area may be the best fit based on experience, goals, confidence, interests, and learning preference.
What it helps with:
Together, Cybrary, CompTIA, and ISC2 create a connected ecosystem that supports exploration, training, credential validation, and long-term advancement. This allows CyberMontana to serve both individual learners and employer needs through a stronger, more scalable professional development strategy.
Many training pathways are designed to support learners who are new to cybersecurity, IT, or emerging technology, while others are better suited for individuals who already have technical experience.
CyberMontana can help learners identify options that match their current skill level and goals.
Yes. CyberMontana can help learners explore professional development options and identify courses or credentials that align with their experience, career goals, and workforce needs. The Self-Assessment is the best place to start.
The amount of time needed each week will depend on the course, training partner, and learner’s experience level. Many CyberMontana Professional Development opportunities are designed to be flexible, allowing learners to make steady progress while balancing work, school, family, and other responsibilities.
Some learners may choose to spend a few hours each week, while others may move more quickly depending on their schedule and goals. Courses that prepare learners for industry-recognized credentials may require additional study time outside of the course content.
Before enrolling, learners are encouraged to review the expected time commitment for each course and choose a pace that supports long-term success.
CyberMontana Career Development courses are delivered through flexible training options designed to support working professionals, students, educators, and organizations.
Many opportunities are available online and self-paced through CyberMontana’s training partners, allowing learners to complete coursework around their existing work, school, and family commitments. Some training opportunities may include guided support, cohort-based learning, workshops, or other formats depending on the course, partner, and program goals.
Course delivery formats may vary, so learners are encouraged to review the details of each opportunity before enrolling.
Support may vary by course and training partner, but CyberMontana is committed to helping learners successfully connect with career development opportunities that fit their goals. Depending on the course, learners may have access to platform support, course resources, study materials, or guidance from the training provider.
CyberMontana can also help learners understand available pathways, clarify next steps, and identify options that align with their experience, goals, and career interests.
In many cases, learners may be interested in more than one course or training pathway. The ability to participate in multiple opportunities may depend on course availability, training partner requirements, learner goals, and available funding.
CyberMontana can help learners think through a career development plan that supports steady progress without taking on too much at once.
CyberMontana is committed to making Career Development accessible and ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation.
Costs for CyberMontana-sponsored Career Development opportunities may vary depending on the course, training partner, and available funding. In some cases, CyberMontana may be able to offer opportunities at no cost.
Because funding and course availability can change, learners are encouraged to review current opportunities or contact CyberMontana to learn more about available options and any potential costs before enrolling.
Certification exam costs, vouchers, and related materials may vary depending on the course, training partner, and available funding. Some opportunities may include certification preparation, practice materials, or exam vouchers, while others may focus on skill development without including a certification exam.
As a host, you provide the space, a screen or projector for the presentation, and help spread the word in your community. CyberMontana brings security awareness content, presentation materials, and a fun, friendly approach that helps attendees feel comfortable learning about staying safe online.
The Cybersecurity Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS) is a 12-credit college credential offered by Missoula College at the University of Montana. The program consists of four college-level courses that provide students with foundational skills in networking, server administration, cybersecurity, and the legal and ethical issues surrounding technology.
High school students can earn college credit toward the Cybersecurity CTS in one of two ways:
The CTS consists of four courses totaling 12 college credits and can generally be completed by a high school student in one to two years. After completing the certificate, students can continue into Missoula College's Information Technology and Cybersecurity degree pathway and pursue industry certifications such as CompTIA Network+ and Security+.
The following six core cybersecurity concepts emphasize the moral principles and standards that should guide the use of technology and the protection of data. Implementing these GenCyber concepts collectively focus on responsible and safe online behavior.
Ensuring that information is not disclosed to unauthorized individuals, devices, or processes.
Ensuring that systems and data are accessible and usable by authorized users when needed, even during an attack or outage.
Anticipating potential attack strategies and identifying system weakness from an attacker's perspective to better defend the system.
The property that information or systems have not been modified or destroyed in an unauthorized manner, maintaining their accuracy and reliability.
A comprehensive strategy of using multiple layers of security measures (i.e., firewall, passwords, encryption) to protect a system, so if one layer fails, another is in place to stop the attack.
Designing information and security systems to be as simple as possible -- efficiency, reliability, and easily implementable security leading to fewer complex interactions to exploit.
The GenCyber teach camp is geared toward educators in regular and special education, across all K-12 grade levels. Any middle school or high school educator, public or private, is welcome to apply for the camp.
The program is a rigorous 64-hour professional development course combining online sessions, in-person workshops, hands-on lab activities, lesson plan development, and statewide collaboration. This program is selective, and participation is
offered only to educators who apply and are accepted based on demonstrated commitment to cybersecurity integration and instructional leadership. Any
middle school or high school educator, public or private, is welcome to apply for the camp. Those demonstrating innovation in their classrooms and a dedication to continuous professional growth are strong candidates.
GenCyber teacher camps are provided at no cost to participants.
If you are part of the MUS system, you are eligible to receive up to $15,000.
If you are an entity outside of the university system you are eligible to receive up to $9,999.
Yes, but the university personnel will need to apply as the camp host and include the outside university entity as instructors and mentors. The university will receive and spend the funds dispersed on behalf of the outside organization.
Yes! * However, each organization is only eligible to apply for funding ONCE per session. The budgeted materials can be reused for those sessions, if planned accordingly. Additional costs are at the discretion of the host.
Yes, a maximum of $15,000 is available for each camp session. Multiple departments with different camp directors can apply for separately funded camp sessions.
MUS organizations will provide an accounting index code. Outside organizations will invoice Missoula College directly.
Hosts are expected to fill out the application as requested and submit it by the deadline. All expenditure must be tracked, and a final budget will be submitted at the end of camp period. This final submission will also include a post-camp survey. Transparency is key so that this program can continue in the future. CyberMontana is here to support our camp hosts, but the successful execution of the camp is primarily on our hosts.
Never communicate with youth through personal social media, text, or other private channels outside of documented, program-related communication.
Typically, these camps are run at no cost to the families of the campers. However, some camps may require a registration fee to help cover a small portion of expenditure such as t-shirts, snacks, or meals.
Each camp session will have specific points of contact that can be found through the registration link. If you have any issues, please reach out to CyberMontana and we can facilitate communication.
Absolutely! If you can drop off and pick-up your camper each day, they are eligible to participate in any and all camps around the state.
Yes, and we highly encourage it! All feedback helps to strengthen future camps and aid in the development of new programs. You can fill out the post-camp survey here.
Yes! CyberMontana supports a lifelong learning model that allows campers to develop their skills at any point in their educational career, and beyond. Check out our opportunities for high schoolers here.