The National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) has received a significant boost in funding from Craig Newmark Philanthropies, a move that will support the ongoing initiatives within NCA’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Cybersecurity Career, Mentoring, and Scholarship Program as students return to school. The $200,000 grant will provide essential resources to empower students from underrepresented backgrounds to break into and excel in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity sector.
Launched in 2022, the ‘See Yourself In Cyber’ HBCU Career Program has been instrumental in equipping students with the necessary skills to navigate the search process for positions in security. Its primary goal is to build a pipeline to black cybersecurity talent. Through this program, HBCU students gain access to ongoing mentorship opportunities, on-campus career events featuring keynotes, panels, and workshops, as well as a scholarship program that ensures equitable access and advancements within the cybersecurity and tech careers.
Lisa Plaggemier, the Executive Director of the National Cybersecurity Alliance, expressed her gratitude to Craig Newmark Philanthropies for their generous support, stating, “This funding will enable us to expand the ‘See Yourself in Cyber’ Program, empowering students from underrepresented backgrounds to break into and excel in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity sector.”
With the grant, NCA plans to bolster its 2023-2024 program with strategic investments in guest lecturers and curriculum development. Additionally, it will focus on student training, certification, and job placement, providing them with real-world experiences through internship opportunities. Moreover, a portion of the grant will be allocated to producing virtual events, which will amplify the program’s overall reach and impact.
Craig Newmark, the founder of Craig Newmark Philanthropies and craigslist, expressed his pride in supporting the National Cybersecurity Alliance. Recognizing the positive impact that education and mentorship can have on building a diverse and skilled workforce, Newmark said, “This program exemplifies the positive impact that education and mentorship can have on building a diverse and skilled workforce.”
Over the past year, the ‘See Yourself in Cyber’ program has made remarkable strides in fostering education, engagement, and mentorship for HBCU students. Generous donations from organizations like Craig Newmark Philanthropies have played a crucial role in expanding the program’s reach and addressing the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals while championing diversity and inclusivity.
To stay updated on the ‘See Yourself in Cyber’ HBCU Cybersecurity Career, Mentoring, and Scholarship Program, and to learn more about the National Cybersecurity Alliance, interested individuals can visit NCA’s official website. For those interested in becoming sponsors or learning more about valued partners, NCA’s HBCU Cybersecurity Career Program webpage provides information on how to get involved.
The National Cybersecurity Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a more secure, interconnected world. Their mission involves advocating for the safe use of technology and educating individuals on how to best protect themselves, their families, and their organizations from cybercrime. The NCA also focuses on creating strong partnerships between governments and corporations to amplify their message and foster a greater “digital” good. Their core efforts include Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October), Data Privacy Day (January 28), and CyberSecure My Business™, which offers webinars, web resources, and workshops to help businesses withstand and recover from cyberattacks.
Craig Newmark, a web pioneer, philanthropist, and leading advocate, founded Craig Newmark Philanthropies in 2016. Known primarily for founding the online classified ads service craigslist, Newmark’s philanthropic work aims to strengthen American democracy by supporting values such as fairness, opportunity, and respect. His organization helps and protects the people who protect the country. For more information about Craig Newmark Philanthropies, visit their official website, CraigNewmarkPhilanthropies.org. Individuals can also engage with Craig Newmark on Twitter, where he shares his personal perspective on the issues of the day, @craignewmark.