The growing cyber talent in the bronx program aims to increase the cybersecurity workforce in the bronx to meet rising demand, projected to grow by 45 percent by 2034

This Cooperative Agreement award from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the Science, Technology, Business and/or Education Outreach program (CFDA 11.620) provides $300,000 to the Research Foundation of the City University of New York (RFCUNY) - Lehman College to implement the "Growing Cyber Talent in the Bronx" program. The program aims to increase the cybersecurity workforce in the Bronx to meet projected 45% growth in demand by 2034. Key activities include a 45-hour academic course on cybersecurity fundamentals, 15 hours of internship preparation, and paid cybersecurity internships for undergraduate students. The program is expected to increase student enrollment, retention, and completion rates in cybersecurity studies, while also providing cybersecurity assessments and support to small businesses in the Bronx. The award period runs from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026.

Activities

The growing cyber security in the bronx program consists of three main components: a 45-hour academic course, 15 hours of internship preparation, and a paid cybersecurity internship. The course, "introduction to cybersecurity," is a 3-credit in-person class focusing on cyber defense and the operate and maintain category from the nice framework, using the NIST cybersecurity framework. The curriculum, based on CIS 356 and best practices from institutions like city college of new york and fordham university, includes lectures, labs, homework, case studies, and interactive sessions involving current events and business scenarios. Hands-on activities, team projects, and in-class exercises aim to build practical skills and student confidence, preparing them for the accompanying internship.

Expected outcomes

The outcomes include increased enrollment, retention, and completion rates among students, along with positive evaluations and continued interest in cybersecurity studies. Small businesses will benefit from client assessments and positive feedback on their quality. Internships will result in the identification and remediation of technical vulnerabilities, with favorable feedback from participants.

Intended beneficiaries

The intended beneficiaries are undergraduate students, who will gain cybersecurity education and practical experience, and small businesses in the bronx, which will receive cybersecurity assessments and support. Additionally, the broader community benefits from a strengthened cybersecurity workforce and enhanced local business resilience.

Subrecipient activities

There are no planned subawards.