Priya Patel
TLDR:
- Cal Poly launching cybersecurity workforce development initiative called “Cleared for Success”
- Program aims to cultivate talent pipeline for public service and defense sectors
Cal Poly is set to launch a cybersecurity workforce development initiative called “Cleared for Success,” in collaboration with the California Cybersecurity Institute. The program aims to introduce students to foundational security concepts and provide them with hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, and networking opportunities. This initiative comes at a time when the demand for cybersecurity professionals is outpacing the supply, according to industry analysis. The program has received $1 million in foundational philanthropic funding and hopes to expand to support workforces in other industries in the future.
Cal Poly’s Vice President for Information Technology, Bill Britton, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity in national defense and the evolving nature of cyberthreats. Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong expressed enthusiasm for the program, stating that the cutting-edge work students will engage in has the potential to attract new investment and accelerate innovation at state and national levels. The university leaders also hope to expand the initiative to support other industries beyond cybersecurity, such as aerospace engineering, public health, and energy.
