UVU Awarded $3 Million Grant to Increase Cybersecurity Training
27-Sep-2012
OREM, USA - Utah Valley University was awarded a $3 million grant by the US Department of Labor to bolster training for jobs in the fields of computer network and information security for students and workers that have been displaced due to global competition.
According to Utah Valley University, Cybersecurity is increasingly in demand as Utah and Salt Lake counties are home to world leaders in Internet security technologies. The National Security Administration also is building the Utah Data Center, the world’s largest center that aggregates and verifies volumes of data used by intelligence and security communities, which is scheduled to open in September 2013 located on Camp Williams in Bluffdale, Utah.
“This grant will fund Cybersecurity Career Pathways, a training program that builds on existing information systems and technology programs curriculums we offer at UVU,” said Keith Mulbery, UVU Information Systems & Technology department chair. “The new program will help prepare individuals for industry-standard certifications and literally hundreds of new and existing positions in these growing fields.”
The grant work begins in October and will be used over a four-year period. It is part of the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training initiative that aims to help workers who lost jobs due to global competition.
“This is a wonderful award that will help move the University forward in the area of cybersecurity,” Ian Wilson, UVU Academic Affairs vice president, said. “This is an area where we can excel and make a significant contribution in the state.”
While the grant specifically targets workers who are eligible under the US Trade Adjustment Act or have been otherwise displaced, the courses and degree programs supported by the project will be open to all students.
“Several training tracks have been identified with various entry and exit points, depending on each individual’s existing skills and knowledge in the field. These stackable programs prepare people for a variety of jobs,” said Curtis Pendelton, senior director of UVU’s Office of Sponsored Programs. “The goal of the grant is to train as many displaced workers as possible for cybersecurity in order to fill the projected growth for jobs in these fields.”
UVU will collaborate with the Utah Department of Workforce Services to locate and serve eligible workers and, along with area industries, strengthen curriculum and create internships. The project also is endorsed by the Utah State Workforce Investment Board in recognizing the need for expanded training and more graduates in this critical field.
“This grant will assist UVU in becoming a leader in training for information and cybersecurity locally, statewide and regionally,” Mulbery said. “We are excited to provide current and relevant information to our students and to displaced workers so they can find successful careers in these growing fields.”
UVU plans to bring on board a project director, a cybersecurity consultant and an additional faculty member with cybersecurity industry experience to work with the Information Systems & Technology department in developing and delivering the training. Funding also will provide faculty with opportunities for professional development and training to assist them in the program development.