This project addresses the cybersecurity talent shortages of the TRI-parish area of plaquemines, ST bernard, and ST tammany parishes in louisiana

ST. Bernard Parish Government Workforce Programs received a $339,877.38 Cooperative Agreement from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the Science, Technology, Business and/or Education Outreach program (CFDA 11.620), effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027. The award funds a regional cybersecurity workforce development initiative addressing talent shortages across Louisiana's tri-parish area (Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and St. Tammany parishes). The project will deliver labor market analysis, multi-stakeholder strategy development, curriculum alignment services aligned with the NIST National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Framework, and experiential learning opportunities. Key deliverables include a public-facing workforce portal and dashboard designed to support sustained employer-education partnerships and inform evidence-based workforce planning decisions.

The initiative serves as a data-driven talent pipeline development program targeting regional residents, including youth, adults, dislocated workers, and veterans seeking entry or advancement in cybersecurity careers. Primary beneficiaries also include employers, educators, and policymakers who will gain access to real-time workforce data and improved collaboration mechanisms. The recipient intends to make subawards to execute program activities and establish community-based partnerships essential to achieving long-term workforce resilience and economic growth in the region.

Activities

The initiative will execute a three-phase plan: analyzing regional cybersecurity workforce data, developing a multi-stakeholder strategy, and implementing programs to align education, training, and employer needs. Key activities include labor market modeling, stakeholder collaboration, curriculum alignment, creation of experiential learning opportunities, and the launch of a public-facing workforce portal and dashboard.

Expected outcomes

The project aims to reduce cybersecurity talent gaps by increasing the supply of job-ready professionals and aligning training pathways with industry needs using NIST nice framework alignment. IT will establish a data-driven, adaptable regional talent pipeline supported by sustained employer-education partnerships, leading to long-term workforce resilience and economic growth.

Intended beneficiaries

The primary beneficiaries include TRI-parish region residents; particularly youth, adults, dislocated workers, and veterans seeking entry or advancement in cybersecurity careers. Employers, educators, and policymakers will also benefit through improved collaboration, access to local talent, and real-time workforce data for informed decision-making.

Subrecipient activities

The recipient intends to make subawards.