CISA Awards Nonprofits Cyber Workforce Development Fund

Two nonprofit organizations have each received $1.5 million in funding from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to strengthen the cybersecurity workforce and expand the cyber talent pool.

The funding was awarded to South Memphis Renewal Community Development Corp. and Per Scholas through the Cyber Workforce Development and Training for Underserved Communities, CISA said.

SMRCDC will use the grant to make cybersecurity education and training more accessible in underserved communities and provide cyber-related career opportunities to individuals in states comprising the Delta Regional Authority. 

With the funding, Per Scholas will provide a cyber training and apprenticeship program and connect cyber talents with businesses in Chicago, Newark, New York City and St. Louis.

CISA Director Jen Easterly, a 2023 Wash100 awardee, said the partnership with the nonprofits will help produce future cybersecurity leaders and build a diverse cybersecurity workforce to boost the U.S. cyber defense capabilities. 

According to CISA’s National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies, open cybersecurity jobs in the United States have increased to 570,000.