The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has announced the allocation of nearly $3 million in cooperative agreements aimed at strengthening the cybersecurity workforce in the United States. This funding, which will be distributed among 15 educational and community organizations across 11 states, is a strategic move to address the growing shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. Each organization will receive approximately $200,000 to support their initiatives in building a robust cybersecurity workforce capable of defending against evolving cyber threats.
The grants will be managed by the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE), a collaborative effort that brings together government, academia, and private sector stakeholders focused on enhancing cybersecurity education and training. NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio highlighted the critical need for a highly skilled workforce to safeguard the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure, stating that this investment will help fill vital job vacancies while equipping individuals with the skills necessary for successful careers in the field.
As part of the funding initiative, the awarded organizations will develop Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate (RAMPS) cybersecurity education and workforce development. These RAMPS projects will aim to align the workforce needs of local businesses and nonprofit organizations with the NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity. The program is designed to create access to cybersecurity careers for individuals from diverse backgrounds, ultimately promoting economic development and community collaboration.
Many of the RAMPS projects will focus on curriculum development and education at various levels, including high school, collegiate, and professional training. Other initiatives will provide work-based learning opportunities through internships, apprenticeships, and practical projects, as well as support for workshops, boot camps, competitions, and hackathons. With these latest awards, the total number of RAMPS communities has reached 33 across 20 states, significantly enhancing the nation’s efforts to cultivate a diverse and capable cybersecurity workforce.
