The Vinod Chachra IMPACT Lab at Radford University is partnering with CivilianCyber, a leader in cybersecurity workforce development, to launch a STEM Training Engagement Program (STEP) creating unique opportunities for Southwest Virginia residents interested in cybersecurity careers.
To do this, CivilianCyber has created a cybersecurity talent identification and development pipeline to address the growing shortage of trained cybersecurity workers across the commonwealth and to assist local employers in helping to fill these critical employment gaps.
The STEM Training Engagement Program provides a six-month cybersecurity internship and fully paid, accredited training for individuals seeking to launch a career in cybersecurity. Candidates will be placed in an internship with a local company while receiving online training through Radford University’s IMPACT cybersecurity certificate program. Interns will be paid at least $15 an hour. Candidates’ aptitude for cybersecurity careers will be assessed through the CivilianCyber AWSAM platform (Automated Workforce Smart Assessment & Matching).
STEP is designed to assist adults in the commonwealth interested in cybersecurity careers and can include veterans, displaced workers or individuals looking to re-enter the workforce. Prior experience in cybersecurity is not required. Candidates cannot be currently enrolled in a college or university.
The IMPACT cybersecurity program covers topics such as laws and ethics, foundations of cybersecurity, data and web security, network security, cyber defense and penetration testing and incident handling.
Radford University has been recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by both the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“CivilianCyber’s highly innovative program harnesses the rigor and convenience of IMPACT’s online and self-paced training to empower both working adults and the businesses they serve,” said Matt Dunleavy, Vinod Chachra IMPACT Lab executive director.
According to CivilianCyber CEO Bobby F. Keener Jr., “The current approaches to address the widening cybersecurity workforce gap just have not met the ever-increasing demand. By engaging and identifying persons from non-traditional backgrounds who have the potential but have not been given the opportunity, STEP has created a new, scalable talent pipeline that both meets workforce needs and improves peoples’ lives across the commonwealth, including the New River Valley.”
“It is an honor to partner with CivilianCyber and support workforce development opportunities for adult learners across the commonwealth through job-embedded learning,” said Robert Natt, Vinod Chachra IMPACT Lab business development director.
Interested candidates and employers interested in potentially hosting a STEM internship can learn more at https://civiliancyber.com/programs.
Pam McCallister
Radford University
