The coding school (TCS), a nonprofit dedicated to education and workforce development in emerging technologies, aims to address the cybersecurity talent shortage by creating a regional network focused…

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded a $304,072.90 Cooperative Agreement under the Science, Technology, Business and/or Education Outreach federal grant program (CFDA 11.620) to The Coding School (TCS), a non-profit organization. The purpose of the award is to address the cybersecurity talent shortage by creating a regional network focused on training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals in quantum cryptography. TCS will coordinate stakeholders to create a pathway for up to 50 undergraduate students, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, to explore careers in quantum cybersecurity through the Early Quantum Career Immersion (EQCI) program. The program includes virtual training in quantum software and cybersecurity skills, followed by internships or mentored projects with industry partners. The initiative aims to enhance regional collaboration, increase diversity in the field, improve technical skills, raise career awareness, and boost industry engagement.

Activities

TCS will coordinate stakeholders to create a pathway for undergraduate students to explore careers in quantum cybersecurity through the early quantum career immersion (eqci) program. The program includes a four-week virtual training in quantum software and cybersecurity skills, followed by a seven-week internship or mentored project with industry partners. TCS aims to increase diversity in the field by targeting underrepresented students and partnering with institutions and companies that support inclusive practices.

Expected outcomes

The project aims to engage key cybersecurity education institutions to enhance regional collaboration and leverage existing resources. IT seeks to enroll up to 50 undergraduate students in the eqci program, with at least 12 placed in internships, while tracking enrollment and retention metrics for future improvements. The initiative also focuses on increasing diversity, improving technical skills in quantum cybersecurity, raising career awareness, and boosting industry engagement through surveys and assessments.

Intended beneficiaries

The project benefits undergraduate students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, by providing training, mentorship, and internship opportunities in quantum cybersecurity. IT also supports educational institutions and industry partners by enhancing regional collaboration and increasing the pipeline of skilled talent in the cybersecurity field.

Subrecipient activities

Subawards to interns ($6,000.00 each) and subaward for CO-PI: susan mcgregor, columbia university ($11,267).