The White House has announced a major initiative designed to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity workforce. EC-Council, a prominent cybersecurity certification organization, has pledged $15 million in scholarships to support more than 50,000 students and IT professionals looking to advance within cybersecurity. This substantial investment is designed to enhance the accessibility and quality of cybersecurity education across North America, with a particular focus on hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications.
The funding will be divided between two different programs. One portion, $8 million, will fund scholarships through academic institutions and to U.S. military families. The remaining $7 million will provide scholarships for professionals enrolling in the Certified Cybersecurity Technician (CCT) certification program, which aims to help IT workers transition into the cybersecurity field.
This pledge, unveiled by U.S. National Cyber Director Harry Coker Jr., marks a significant step toward addressing the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals. The initiative will see programs tailored to various aspects of cybersecurity, including ethical hacking, network defense, and cloud security.
Why It Matters: The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats demand a well-trained and knowledgeable cybersecurity workforce. This pledge aims to close the skills gap, which is projected to reach a global shortfall of 3.5 million cybersecurity professionals by 2025. By offering accessible education and training, this initiative bolsters national security and protects critical infrastructure by instilling cybersecurity values early on, ultimately fostering a more secure global digital environment for the long term.
- Significant Financial Commitment: EC-Council has committed $15 million in scholarships, aiming to reach over 50,000 students. This financial support will be distributed through various academic institutions and direct applications, enhancing the accessibility of cybersecurity education.
- Diverse Certification Programs: The initiative includes nine industry-recognized certifications covering essential areas such as ethical hacking, network defense, digital forensics, and cloud security. These certifications will provide students with the skills needed to address contemporary cybersecurity challenges.
- Partnership with ONCD: This is the first collaboration between EC-Council and the Office of the National Cyber Director. The partnership aims to leverage EC-Council’s extensive experience in cybersecurity training to support the broader goals of the National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy.
- Targeted Educational Outreach: Scholarships will be offered to a wide range of recipients, including U.S. military families and IT professionals looking to transition into cybersecurity roles. The programs will be available through 800 educational institutions across North America.
Go Deeper -> Cyber Training Organization Pledges $15 Million in Education Programs – The Record
