Ben Dougherty Named 2022 Presidential Cybersecurity Education Award Winner

Lakota Cyber Academy teacher Ben Dougherty has been named one of just two recipients of the 2022 Presidential Cybersecurity Education Award (PCE) by the U.S. Department of Education. Dougherty joins Robert “Allen” Stubblefield, Jr., of Troy High School in Fullerton, California in this honor. 

“Today, we honor two talented and creative educators who are raising the bar for how we prepare students for rewarding careers in the fast-growing field of cybersecurity,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “Educators and instructors nationwide can look to Mr. Dougherty and Mr. Stubblefield as glowing examples of what it takes to inspire passion for cybersecurity in our students and equip them with the academic and technical skills sought out by today’s employers. The Department of Education recognizes that cybersecurity educators are essential to our efforts to build stronger pathways for students into well-paying jobs in a field that’s increasingly vital to our nation's security and prosperity."

Earlier this year, Dougherty was honored with the inaugural Educator Award from Cyber.org for his work in launching the Lakota Cyber Academy at both East and West high schools. “We are incredibly proud of Ben and the impact he is having on our students,” said Lakota Superintendent Matt Miller. “Ben has played an integral role in not only the launch, but the continued success of the Lakota Cyber Academy. His students benefit from his dedication every day.”

Students enrolled in the program participate in real-world learning internships, earn industry credentials and graduate with the tools needed to pursue successful careers. Since its launch in 2019, the program has grown to 200 students.

Dougherty and Stubblefield were formally announced as the 2022 PCE awardees earlier today at the National Initiative for Cybersecurity’s kick-off event for Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week in Washington, DC. They, along with other recent award recipients, will be honored during the 2022 NICE K12 Cybersecurity Education Conference. The Presidential Cybersecurity Education Award is led by the U.S. Department of Education, in consultation with the White House Office of the National Cyber Director and the National Science Foundation.