NIST Invests Over $1.7 Million to Bolster Cybersecurity Workforce Across Eight States

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is allocating more than $1.7 million through nine cooperative agreements to bolster the nation’s cybersecurity workforce, according to a recent announcement. These awards will support organizations in eight states that are working to address the persistent shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals. The initiative aims to strengthen national infrastructure and organizational defenses against cyber threats by fostering a more skilled and readily available workforce.

The NIST-administered National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) is spearheading these efforts, facilitating collaboration between government entities, academic institutions, and the private sector. The newly funded projects will operate under the Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development, or RAMPS program. These RAMPS projects are designed to closely align the specific cybersecurity workforce demands of local businesses and nonprofit organizations with the educational objectives outlined in the NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity, also known as the NICE Framework. The overarching goals of these initiatives are to expand the pool of individuals pursuing cybersecurity careers, train more Americans for well-paying cybersecurity jobs, and stimulate localized economic growth through job creation.

The RAMPS program actively brings together industry leaders, educational institutions, and economic development stakeholders to collaboratively cultivate a cybersecurity workforce tailored to the distinct requirements of individual communities. These projects are intended to yield lasting positive effects, contributing to the growth of local economies while simultaneously enhancing protection against the evolving risks present in cyberspace. Many of the funded RAMPS projects will involve the development of new curricula and the delivery of education and training programs spanning high school, college, and professional development levels. Other initiatives will provide vital practical experience through internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on projects, alongside workshops, intensive boot camps, and cybersecurity competitions. A key component across all projects is the establishment of community-based partnerships to create clear pathways for individuals to enter and advance in cybersecurity careers that directly address local labor market needs. With these latest awards, the RAMPS program has now established a total of 55 communities across 26 states.

The recipients of these cooperative agreements, the regions they will serve, and the allocated funding amounts are as follows: Florida Atlantic University will receive $200,000 to support Palm Beach and Broward Counties, along with the Treasure Coast Counties of Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River. The Big Sandy Region of Eastern Kentucky, encompassing Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike Counties, will receive $129,311 through the Kentucky Community and Technical College system. The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) has been awarded $200,000 to support initiatives in Virginia. New Mexico Highlands University will receive $200,000 for projects in Northern New Mexico. The Regents of the University of Michigan have been granted $200,000 to serve the Great Lakes Region of Michigan. The Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education and Wright State University will each receive substantial funding for Southwest Ohio, with $199,995 and $199,889 respectively. The University of Houston will receive $199,735 to address cybersecurity workforce needs in Houston, Texas. Finally, the University of Tennessee has been awarded $199,714 for its work in East and Central Tennessee.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

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