The southeastern cybersecurity workforce alliance is a training program, originally launched as a new ramps community in 2024, that stimulates workforce and economic development by building a…

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded a $380,610.33 cooperative agreement to The Escal Institute of Advanced Technologies, Inc. (doing business as SANS Institute) under the Science, Technology, Business and/or Education Outreach program (CFDA 11.620) to establish and expand the Southeastern Cybersecurity Workforce Alliance (SECWA). The award, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027, funds a multi-stage, scholarship-based cybersecurity training and upskilling program serving aspiring professionals across eleven Southeastern states and Washington, D.C. SANS Institute will deliver foundational and advanced training aligned to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Framework, leading to industry-recognized certifications including Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Fundamentals (GFACT) and GCIH certifications. Participants receive aptitude assessments, advising, mentorship, career services, and direct employer engagement to support job placement, with progression pathways into SANS.edu academic programs and artificial intelligence security training.

The program targets incumbent workers and aspiring cybersecurity professionals with no-cost access to high-quality training and certification, positioning Stage 2 graduates for entry-level roles and Stage 3 completers for advanced technical positions. SANS Institute will measure success through job placement rates, industry certification attainment, and performance data, culminating in a final report disseminated to national stakeholders including NICE and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to contribute to scalable cybersecurity workforce development best practices.

Activities

Secwa will deliver a multi-stage, scholarship-based cybersecurity training and upskilling program across the southeastern U.S., using aptitude assessments, foundational and advanced training aligned to the nice framework, and industry-recognized certifications like gfact and gcih. Participants will receive advising, mentorship, and career services throughout the program, including entry into sans.EDU academic programs, AI security training, and direct engagement with employers to support career placement.

Expected outcomes

Graduates of stage 2 will be well-prepared for entry-level cybersecurity roles, while stage 3 completers will be qualified for advanced technical positions, with strong job placement rates and industry certifications as key indicators of success. A final report capturing performance data, job outcomes, and regional workforce insights will be disseminated to partners and national stakeholders (e.g., nice-NIST), contributing to best practices for scalable cybersecurity workforce development.

Intended beneficiaries

Aspiring cybersecurity professionals from across 11 southeastern states and D.C. Will gain no-cost access to high-quality training, certification, and job placement support. Employers in both the public and private sectors will benefit from a growing pipeline of skilled cybersecurity talent equipped with real-world competencies, AI understanding, and industry-aligned credentials.

Subrecipient activities

There are no planned subawards.