Cybersecurity Workforce Development in Minority, Low Income, and Native American Reservation Communities

Abstract

This study will explore an innovative approach to cybersecurity workforce development in low income, minority, and Native American reservation communities in a way that could address low living wages and high unemployment while meeting cyber workforce demands. In the efforts to build a robust talent pipeline, there is a critical need for innovative practices to educate the future cyber professions in underserved diverse communities. Systemically, diverse communities have been untapped, ignored, and undervalued for technical job opportunities. This study looks at using charter schools with minority demographics that should have advanced technology programs that address a colossal workforce development need in the U.S. by training future cyber professionals on the high school level.

Addressing Cybersecurity Challenges in Education

“…The shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals requires that institutions of learning work to retain their cybersecurity specialists and also design programs that can be implemented to increase the number of students willing to become cybersecurity professionals and leaders in the future (Finch et al, 2020). Introducing cybersecurity courses and concepts into K-12 curricula effectively increases the number of students willing to choose a career in cybersecurity (Finch et al, 2020;Nobles, 2018).…”

“…The shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals requires that institutions of learning work to retain their cybersecurity specialists and also design programs that can be implemented to increase the number of students willing to become cybersecurity professionals and leaders in the future (Finch et al, 2020). Introducing cybersecurity courses and concepts into K-12 curricula effectively increases the number of students willing to choose a career in cybersecurity (Finch et al, 2020;Nobles, 2018). Recommended elective courses for preparing cybersecurity professionals at the high school level are not limited to Introduction to Cybersecurity, Digital Forensic Investigation Techniques, Intrusion Analysis and Response, and Introduction to Human Factors in Cybersecurity (Finch et al, 2020).…”

“…Introducing cybersecurity courses and concepts into K-12 curricula effectively increases the number of students willing to choose a career in cybersecurity (Finch et al, 2020;Nobles, 2018). Recommended elective courses for preparing cybersecurity professionals at the high school level are not limited to Introduction to Cybersecurity, Digital Forensic Investigation Techniques, Intrusion Analysis and Response, and Introduction to Human Factors in Cybersecurity (Finch et al, 2020). Given the difficulty of implementing major changes to the public-school curriculum, charter schools, with their greater autonomy, may be more amenable forums for developing these course offerings (Finch et al, 2020).…”