The trident-pathfinder initiative is a mission-driven workforce development program aimed at solving critical cybersecurity talent shortages in national security, maritime infrastructure, and the…

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded Neptune Shield Foundation a $300,000 Cooperative Agreement under the Science, Technology, Business and/or Education Outreach program (CFDA 11.620) on October 1, 2025, for the Trident-Pathfinder Initiative (TPI). The TPI will deliver a two-year, mission-driven workforce development program addressing cybersecurity talent shortages in national security, maritime infrastructure, and the defense industrial base within the Hampton Roads, Virginia region. The program will train 40–60 participants through hybrid cybersecurity bootcamps, simulation-based laboratory exercises, and mentorship programs with emphasis on Defense Industrial Base (DIB), Operational Technology/Industrial Control Systems (OT/ICS), and maritime security competencies. The curriculum, co-developed with employer partners and incorporating industry-aligned standards, will leverage specialized tools and culminate in an open-source cyber workforce playbook designed for national replication.

The expected outcomes include at least 80% of participants achieving job placement or industry certification within six months, with 3–4 graduates annually placed directly into DIB contractor roles. The initiative prioritizes transitioning veterans and career-changers while building local educator capacity and establishing a replicable, data-driven training model aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Framework and federal compliance standards. Results will be disseminated through summits, publications, and national networks to support sustainability and nationwide adoption. The award extends through September 30, 2027, with no planned subawards.

Activities

The trident-pathfinder initiative (TPI) will train 40-60 participants over two years through hybrid cybersecurity bootcamps, simulation-based labs, and mentorship programs focused on defense industrial base (DIB), OT/ICS, and maritime security. TPI will deliver industry-aligned curriculum CO-developed with employer partners, deploy tools like decide and montreat 360, and culminate in an open-source cyber workforce playbook to support national replication and sustainability.

Expected outcomes

At least 80% of TPI participants are expected to achieve job placement or industry certification within six months, with 3-4 graduates annually placed directly into DIB contractor roles. The program will establish a replicable, data-driven cybersecurity training model supported by performance tracking, local educator capacity-building, and dissemination through summits, publications, and national networks.

Intended beneficiaries

Transitioning veterans and career-changers in the hampton roads region will gain access to high-demand cybersecurity training, credentials, and direct-to-employment pipelines. Regional employers including DIB contractors and OT-reliant industries will benefit from a workforce equipped with specialized skills, real-world readiness, and alignment to the nice framework and federal compliance standards.

Subrecipient activities

There are no planned subawards.