 2.1.3 Integrate cybersecurity across disciplines to prepare the cyber workforce to build systems that are secure by design. Federal departments and agencies will review selection criteria for grants, expand outreach, and collaborate with academic programs, where legally permissible and appropriate, to ensure that cybersecurity, including but not limited to secure-by-design theories and practices, is an integral part of relevant federal funding opportunities. The NCWCG will explore ways to encourage ecosystem stakeholders to integrate cybersecurity – including security by design, threat modeling, memory safe languages, privacy, standards, ethics, and other elements of cybersecurity – into computer science, software engineering, operational technology, and related college courses, as well as K-12 education, boot camps, employer-led training, and other forms of cyber education. 2.1.4 Protect learners in safe and secure cyber learning environments. Federal departments and agencies will review requirements in relevant grants and contracts, where legally permissible and appropriate, to ensure that safety and privacy protocols are used in the programs, systems, and social media platforms accessed by learners. Ecosystem stakeholders are encouraged to explore ways to ensure that the systems used in K-12 education protect learners from harmful content and harassment. For example, technology companies can proactively pursue industry standards and actions to advance safe and secure learning environments. S TRATEGIC O BJECTIVE 2.2: E XPAND C OMPETENCY -B ASED C YBER E DUCATION Education and training ecosystems should expand the availability of competency-based cyber education opportunities that accelerate knowledge acquisition and allow learners to demonstrate mastery at their own pace.63 Learners of every age get introduced to complex cyber concepts through a variety of channels in both theoretical and applied methods (see also Pillar One). Cyber skills acquisition is a lifelong endeavor. Learners will build on foundational cyber skills as they gain occupation-specific and industry-specific cyber skills. This Strategic Objective supports the general progression of learning from early childhood to seasoned professional. The phases of cyber-related learning described in this section do not rigidly define when cyber content should be learned. Alternative models may be appropriate depending on individual cognitive capabilities, physical abilities, 17 Cyber skills acquisition is a lifelong endeavor. Learners will build on foundational cyber skills as they gain occupation-specific and industry-specific cyber skills. NATIONAL CYBER WORKFORCE AND EDUCATION STRATEGY