Workforce Development
Work With Us
CCI is connecting companies with talented, motivated students, who are screened for the skills your organization needs. An unprecedented coalition of more than 40 Virginia universities and colleges, CCI has incredible reach across the state.
We've built programs that give students the experience they need to have successful careers in cybersecurity. Our programs make it easy for you to connect with future employees and interns. The CCI program roster includes Project-Based Learning, Clearance Preparedness, our signature Internship and Job Fair, and the Cyber Fusion capture-the-flag competition and job fair. Let's get to work!
Project-Based Learning
The CCI Project-Based Learning Program is a win-win for companies and students alike. Companies get to know students and directly learn what they can do. Students gain mentoring and work on projects important to industry needs. CCI funds this program and the student stipend.
We work with you to create a project tailored to your needs, screen the applicants based on your criteria, and deliver a talented pool of applicants for your final selection.
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) is partnering with GuidePoint Security for a Fall 2025 program to recruit up to five apprentices to create a “SOC-in-a-Box,” a scalable and deployable lab environment for cybersecurity practitioners to practice and hone their skills.
Get immersed in real-world cybersecurity issues and gain mentored work experience while earning $25 an hour as part of the CCI Project-Based Learning Program in partnership with CACI.
Dive into real-world cybersecurity issues through mentored work experience while earning $25 an hour in PBS's Vulnerability & Asset Management Project, part of CCI's Project-Based Learning Program.
Get Clearance Ready!
We're prepping students about the benefits of holding a security clearance and the approval process. We draw upon experts from government and industry to discuss the fulfilling work that holding a security clearance can bring as well as the pitfalls to avoid. This program provides a great introduction for you to discuss your mission directly with students while helping them on their career path.
The informational seminar series, which is free, includes 10 monthly 60-minute virtual modules, in which you'll learn about the clearance process and what you can expect in clearance-level roles.
Please register using your school email, which ends in .edu. You must register to receive a digital badge and provide your .edu email address to access the module link. There is no registration deadline.
If you weren't able to attend the Clearance Preparedness sessions in person, get caught up by watching the recordings.
Cyber Fusion
Virginia Military Institute and CCI co-host this annual invitation-only capture-the-flag style competition and job fair. In addition to competing in various challenges, this event connects high-achieving students with companies and government agencies, providing speaking opportunities and a job fair to showcase organizations and engage with top cybersecurity talent.
Cyber Fusion is open to Virginia colleges and universities that are designated National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
For more information, please contact Sarah Hayes at sshayes@vt.edu. We look forward to working with you!
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