The Maryland Department of Labor announced the availability of $1.8 million in new funding to support the development of cyber ranges that will provide in-demand cybersecurity training to help close a critical workforce gap. Cyber ranges are interactive, simulated platforms identified as vital for providing hands-on, experiential learning in a secure environment.
According to Cyberseek, Maryland had over 30,000 estimated cybersecurity job openings in 2023. However, the state did not have enough trained workers to fill one in four positions, worse than the national average. The increased funding to build and expand the use of cyber ranges for training will bolster the availability of highly skilled workers to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals across the state.
“Employers want cyber professionals with hands-on experience. Cyber ranges can help provide that experience to complement the technical skills learned in the classroom,” said Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “Maryland will continue to invest in innovative approaches to cultivate top cyber talent while providing access to high-demand, high-growth jobs.”
Grant applicants must demonstrate the ability to engage employers and industry partners to develop cutting-edge cyber range scenarios that directly correlate with the skills necessary for cybersecurity roles.
In addition, applicants are strongly encouraged to build partnerships with an array of organizations to ensure populations typically underrepresented in the industry, including women, people of color, and individuals with differing abilities, can access support services and training that leads directly to employment in the cybersecurity industry.
“To secure the State long-term, we need to prioritize best-in-class, hands-on education for the next generation of Maryland cybersecurity professionals,” said DoIT Secretary Katie Savage. “This investment will help strengthen our cybersecurity posture even further and help make Maryland a home for a diverse, thriving cybersecurity industry.”
Labor will host a virtual pre-proposal conference on September 4, 2024, at 1:00 pm. Proposals are due October 4, 2024, and grants will begin November 1, 2024.
As previously reported on Conduit Street, the Maryland Association of Community Colleges (MACC), in partnership with BCR Cyber, received $935,680 through the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program to fund the Cybersecurity Workforce Accelerator.
This program equips Maryland’s community colleges with BCR Cyber Series 3000 Cyber Ranges, providing advanced training and education technology. The Accelerator aims to train and certify thousands of entry-level IT and cybersecurity practitioners, offering opportunities to both credit and non-credit students across the state.
Visit the Maryland Department of Labor website for more information.
