Federal Agency To Award up to $2M to Nonprofit Cybersecurity Training Programs in Underserved Communities

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is looking for non-traditional training providers to help bring more cybersecurity workforce opportunities into underserved communities. CISA released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Training Pilot for Underserved Communities last month. The opportunity is available to nonprofit technical training providers, other than institutes of higher learning.

CISA seeks to award a new cooperative agreement of up to $2 million to one or more organizations that create or enhance entry-level cybersecurity training and apprenticeship programs. Additionally, to optimize and expand existing cybersecurity training and apprenticeship programs, the development and implementation of a comprehensive cybersecurity pathways retention strategy is needed to address the apprenticeship-to-employment pipeline.

As the nation responds to ongoing rapid technological advances, non-traditional education plays an essential role in developing a skilled workforce to fill critical shortages. Increasing the number of cybersecurity professionals within underserved communities is key to the success of our nation. CISA understands that equal access to professional development opportunities is necessary to fill the 460,000-plus cybersecurity vacancies across our country and to prevent future workforce shortages. This NOFO is an essential step to reimagine how our nation will educate and train entry-level cyber professionals.

Applications for this funding opportunity must be submitted by Aug. 25.