CISA awards $2M for cybersecurity workforce training

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) officials announced that two organizations have secured awards totaling $2 million
to develop cybersecurity workforce training programs.

NPower and CyberWarrior will focus on the unemployed and underemployed, urban and rural underserved communities, and underserved populations that include veterans, military spouses, women, and people of color.

“Addressing the cyber workforce shortage requires us to proactively seek out, find and foster prospective talent from nontraditional places,” CISA Director Jen Easterly said. “CISA is dedicated to recruiting and training individuals from all areas and all backgrounds with the aptitude and attitude to succeed in this exciting field. It’s not just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do – for the mission and the country.”

The three-year pilot program would, among other provisions, develop and implement a cybersecurity pathways retention strategy; provide entry-level cybersecurity training via training hubs; offer professional development experience via apprenticeships; and address cybersecurity workforce shortages through entry-level cybersecurity jobs placement.

“NPower’s cybersecurity program offers young adults and veterans the opportunity to advance their careers and deepen their specialties,” NPower CEO Bertina Ceccarelli. “This is particularly important for individuals coming from underrepresented communities that systemically lack access to those specialized skills. We are honored for the support from CISA, which will enable NPower to expand our reach to trainees across the country.”

CyberWarrior Foundation Founder Reinier Moquete said the organization is honored to be a part of the Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Training Pilot for Underserved Communities.

“Working with CISA and other stakeholders, our 28-week boot camp program will train persons from underserved populations for a career in cybersecurity,” Moquete said. “We encourage prospective students, employers, and workforce stakeholders to reach out and join us in building opportunities for these individuals.”