The Cyber Innovation Center (CIC), which emphasizes research, education and technological innovation, has added $129 million in federal funding.
This funding positions CIC and its surrounding region as a "leading U.S. cybersecurity hub," according to the center.
What Is the Cyber Innovation Center?
Based in Bossier City, Louisiana, CIC is focused on "creating a knowledge-based workforce by promoting research, education and technological innovation and fostering collaborative and strategic alliances between governmental agencies, private industry and academic institutions," the center indicated.
CIC's goals include:
- Stimulating innovation-based economic growth through strategic partnerships
- Developing a knowledge-based workforce around STEM-related fields
- Fostering collaboration and serving as a conduit for government agencies, private industries and academic institutions to advance research
- Building critical infrastructure that will attract federal programs to Louisiana and its surrounding region
CISA Provides Funding to the Cyber Innovation Center
As part of the $129 million in funding, the Cybersecurity Infrastructure & Security Agency (CISA) provided CYBER.ORG, CIC's academic initiative, with $34 million in financing.
This funding will help CYBER.ORG address the shortage of over 570,000 cybersecurity professionals in the United States, CIC stated. It will be used to expand nationwide access to K-12 cybersecurity education, improve cybersecurity literacy and encourage students to explore cybersecurity career opportunities.
Furthermore, the will enable CYBER.ORG to support the Biden administration's National Cybersecurity Workforce and Education Strategy, CIC noted. It also helps CYBER.ORG support the strategy's goal of reaching 50,000 educators over the next five years.
A Closer Look at CYBER.ORG's Content Platform
CYBER.ORG empowers educators as they prepare for the cyber workforce of tomorrow, CIC pointed out. It promotes cyber career awareness, curricular resources and teacher professional development.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) supports CYBER.ORG through a CISA grant, which is used to develop and distribute cybersecurity education content to teachers across the country for free. At this time, more than 30,000 teachers are enrolled in CYBER.ORG's content platform.
