PACE Project 2024: Build Employees' Cybersecurity Skills

The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative is funding a no-cost program to help Virginia employers in the private and public sector offer cybersecurity training to current staff while also building an entry-level pipeline of skilled cyber workers.

The “Professional Accelerated Cyber Education (PACE) Program for Virginia Incumbent Worker Cybersecurity Training for Professionals in IT and IT-Adjacent Occupations” provides accelerated, online, and competency-based cybersecurity training through the Vinod Chachra IMPACT Lab at Radford University.

The online, self-paced certificate program features a range of options from beginner through advanced professional. 

Commonwealth employers, especially those in rural areas outside Northern Virginia, are encouraged to join the program, which helps organizations strengthen their ability to protect data and networks

Organizations can also boost their cybersecurity entry-level talent pipeline through partnerships with regional workforce development boards, higher education centers, local governments, and employer networks.

It's a no-cost program, but funding is limited. 

Employers should apply by Oct. 25, 2024, for the next session.

Contact Svetlana Filiatreau at sfiliatreau@radford.edu to learn more and to join the program. Include the phrase CCI PACE PROJECT in the subject line.

About Radford University

Radford has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

It’s one of the first programs in the country that has designed and aligned training with the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Workforce Framework to address critical KSA (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities) competencies.