To help grow the U.S. workforce to defend against cybersecurity risks, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded cooperative agreements totaling nearly $3 million to organizations that are working to address the cybersecurity workforce shortage.
Undertaking Gaps in the Cybersecurity Workforce Across the Country
About a half million U.S. cybersecurity jobs remain unfilled, according to recent reports. In light of the issue, last month national cyber director Harry Coker, Jr. elaborated on the administration’s objectives to promote best practices that make cyber jobs more accessible to individuals from all backgrounds across the country.
“Many Americans do not realize that a cyber career is available to them,” he noted. “There is a perception that you need a computer science degree and a deeply technical background to get a job in cyber. The truth is, cyber jobs are available to anyone who wants to pursue them. Cyber professionals are part of a dynamic and diverse modern workforce and individuals from all backgrounds and disciplines have a place.”
As part of the nationwide effort to bolster cyber talent, the newly announced NIST grants will go to 15 education and community organizations in 11 states. The organizations awarded will build Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate (RAMPS) cybersecurity education and workforce development. The RAMPS projects—now totaling 33—will align the workforce needs of local business and nonprofit organizations with the NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity, NIST reports.
“The RAMPS program provides individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and life circumstances access to cybersecurity careers,” said NICE director Rodney Petersen. “It also helps communities collaborate on creating career pathways to good jobs for all Americans and contributes to economic development by addressing workforce needs at the local and regional scales.”
NICE, a NIST-led partnership between government, academia, and the private sector focused on cybersecurity education, training, and development of a diverse workforce, will oversee the cooperative agreement.
“To strengthen our national and economic security, we need a highly skilled and talented cybersecurity workforce,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST director Laurie E. Locascio. “This investment in cybersecurity education and training will help fill a critical workforce need while giving people the skills they need to succeed in good-paying, high-quality jobs.”
Read more about the grant efforts and view the award recipients on NIST’s news site.
Related News:
NIST Webinar: Tools to Help SMEs Manage Risks in the Transatlantic Marketplace
NIST Awards $3.6 Million in Cooperative Grants to Bolster U.S. Cyber Security Workforce