With over 457,000 open cybersecurity positions across the United States, now more than ever we need qualified, determined individuals to enter the cybersecurity workforce. CISA awards cooperative agreements to non-profit organizations to help bring cybersecurity education, training, and career programs to underserved communities and diverse populations with limited resources.
Learn more about these non-profits’ efforts below, and for more information about cybersecurity career opportunities and workforce development initiatives at CISA, please visit cisa.gov/careers.
South Memphis Renewal Community Development Corporation (SMRCDC)
The SMRCDC is a nonprofit organization with over 20 years of experience working to support and provide educational, training, and career development opportunities to underserved communities in South Memphis, TN. SMRCDC’s YouthBuild apprenticeship program provides job training and educational options for at-risk youth ages 16-24 who previously dropped out of high school. Learn more about their IT certification programs, community enhancement projects, and additional outreach efforts at southmemphisrenewal.org.
Per Scholas
Per Scholas aims to foster a diverse technology-related workforce by providing skills training and access to employer networks to individuals that are often excluded from these career opportunities in the Chicago, New York City, St. Louis, and Newark, NJ areas. Their mission is to advance economic equity through rigorous training for tech careers and to connect skilled talent to leading business. Visit perscholas.org for more information about their programs for prospective learners, enterprise solutions, and diversity.
CYBER.ORG
Through the Cybersecurity Education and Training Assistance Program (CETAP), CISA awarded CYBER.ORG funds to equip K-12 teachers across the country with cybersecurity educational curricula and lesson plans, professional development trainings, and classroom technology. CYBER.ORG also partners with public and private sector organizations to provide cybersecurity education and training opportunities to K-12 students through Project REACH and Project Access.