Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Training Pilot for Underserved Communities – Grant Application Opportunity

Workforce Services Information Notice
WSIN20-72

Issued: July 22, 2021

The United States Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Cyber Defense Education & Training announces the availability of approximately $2 million to award one to two new cooperative agreements for the "Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Training Pilot for Underserved Communities" in fiscal year 2021. The goal of the pilot project is to strengthen the nation's federal and national cybersecurity workforce through standardizing roles and helping to ensure there are well-trained cybersecurity professionals today and a strong pipeline of future cybersecurity leaders.

This cooperative agreement seeks to leverage the unrealized cybersecurity talent of underserved communities through non-traditional technical training that enhances existing entry-level training and apprenticeship programs. Applicants will work collaboratively to align resources in response to workforce demand, and offer innovative job training solutions that generate positive outcomes and results.

Eligible non-traditional technical training providers applying for this cooperative agreement must be nonprofit organizations. Eligible participants served through this cooperative agreement program must be at least 17 years old. Eligible individuals from underserved communities seeking full-time employment in entry-level skilled cybersecurity positions are of particular interest in this pilot program.

For more information about the grant opportunity, visit the grants.gov website and reference DHS-21-CISA-127-CWDT001. For a complete description of the funding organization, available funds, eligibility requirements, and links to the grant application, visit the DHS website.

/s/ NICOLE LAKTASH, Acting Chief
Central Office Workforce Services Division