Every action, decision, or event has some level of risk. The harm that an individual or organization faces is limitless and highly unpredictable. Although individuals and organizations understand that risk and harm are possible, they may not be taking the appropriate actions to reduce the chances of harm or the impact it might have on them. Risk assessment evaluates assets, vulnerabilities, risks, and harm. Performing risk assessments is not new, but the increased likelihood of cyberattacks has highlighted the need. As we increase our reliance on technology and information within our personal lives and organizations, it is critical to ensure that assets are protected from malicious and non-malicious human and non-human threats.

Although cyber and information security has increased the need to assess and manage risks, this critical skill applies to all individuals, career fields, and industry sectors. Developing the skills necessary to perform these risk assessments requires a targeted curriculum for high school students integrated into computer science and cybersecurity courses and throughout Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways. Performing risk assessments encompasses a variety of technical and non-technical skills that, through the interdisciplinary nature of the topic, will equip students with the essential skills to identify, analyze, evaluate, and mitigate risks. These critical thinking skills are transferable to an individual's life and across every industry sector.

This paper will focus on three essential components of a high school risk assessment curriculum designed for cybersecurity courses and how it can be integrated throughout all CTE pathways:
1. Outline risk assessment's core elements and how they impact CTE pathways, careers, and industry sectors.
2. Discuss developing a high school risk assessment curriculum to be integrated into CTE courses.
3. The importance of hands-on activities, experiential learning, and internships to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills that allow students to apply risk assessment knowledge and frameworks to realistic situations.

Developing a risk assessment curriculum for high school CTE courses stresses interdisciplinary application throughout all career and industry sectors. Integrating a risk assessment curriculum into these courses emphasizes adaptability, ethical decision-making, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and the ability to handle complex, real-world situations while preparing students with necessary technical and non-technical skills. These skills, combined with delivering findings in written and verbal communication, will prepare students for the workforce and create confidence in their ability to assess and mitigate risks in their personal and professional lives. Through hands-on projects, experiential learning, and internships, students apply knowledge and frameworks to real-world scenarios, give back to their community, and provide them with the skills needed to succeed in the 21st-century workforce.

Keywords: Risk Assessment, Career and Technical Education, Curriculum Development.