The building maines cybersecurity workforce through regional pathways project seeks to expand and sustain maines cybersecurity workforce through an initiative with a sharp focus on protecting critical…

The University of Maine at Augusta received a $347,720 cooperative agreement from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the Science, Technology, Business and/or Education Outreach program (CFDA 11.620), awarded October 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2027. The "Building Maine's Cybersecurity Workforce Through Regional Pathways" project implements a four-phase cybersecurity workforce development initiative designed to train and place 60 participants in cybersecurity-related roles within critical infrastructure sectors. Key deliverables include registered apprenticeships, bootcamps, micro-credentials, and cyber range simulations aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Framework work roles, along with formalization of the Maine Cybersecurity Alliance and a statewide workforce needs analysis.

The project targets underrepresented populations including veterans, women, tribal communities, rural learners, high school students, and career-changers, with an expected outcome of placing 70% of program completers in cybersecurity positions within six months of completion. Additional deliverables include enhanced cyber range capabilities, expanded access to certification testing, and contributions of workforce data and best practices to national platforms such as CyberSeek. The award includes no planned subawards, with all activities conducted directly by the University of Maine System.

Activities

The university of maine at augusta will implement a four-phase cybersecurity workforce development initiative that includes registered apprenticeships, bootcamps, micro credentials, cyber range simulations, and k-12 engagement, all aligned with nice framework work roles. The project will formalize the maine cybersecurity alliance, conduct a statewide workforce needs analysis, and collaborate across academia, government, and industry to align training pathways with critical infrastructure security demands.

Expected outcomes

The project aims to train and certify at least 60 individuals, place 70% of completers in cybersecurity jobs within six months and establish a sustainable model for apprenticeships and stackable micro credentials. IT will also enhance cyber range capabilities, expand access to certification testing, and contribute workforce data and best practices to national platforms like cyberseek and present results at the nice conference.

Intended beneficiaries

Beneficiaries include veterans, women, tribal communities, rural and non-traditional learners, high school students, and current workers seeking cybersecurity roles in critical infrastructure sectors across maine. Employers, educators, and policymakers will also benefit from improved training pipelines, workforce analytics, and statewide coordination through the maine cybersecurity alliance.

Subrecipient activities

There are no planned subawards.