Legislation Will Provide Critical Funding to Community Colleges Nationwide
Cybersecurity attacks pose a significant challenge to our nation’s security and economy. The United States urgently needs to increase its cybersecurity workforce. There are an estimated 700,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions in the U.S., and this number continues to grow. Addressing this challenge will require a concerted joint effort by government, the education sector, the business community, and nonprofits.
In response, Congress recently introduced the National Community College Cybersecurity Challenge Act (NCCCCA; H.R. 8970). The NCCCCA will help states develop and expand community college cybersecurity education programs that enable students to earn cybersecurity training and credentials. Graduates of these programs will be equipped to support the cybersecurity efforts of government, critical infrastructure providers, the business community, and nonprofits. Passage of this legislation will help ensure that:
- The number of associate degrees in cybersecurity awarded annually increases.
- There will be more cybersecurity faculty at U.S. community colleges.
- Every community college student is able to enroll in a cybersecurity degree program at the college they attend or through distance education in partnership with another community college.
- Industry provides students with work-based experiences—work-study, apprenticeships, and internships—as part of their cybersecurity training.
- More community colleges are designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity.
Please email your U.S. Representative today to urge them to support expanding cybersecurity education in America’s community colleges by voting YES on the National Community College Cybersecurity Challenge Act.