Innovative partnership offers students a pathway to college credit and a career in cybersecurity.
BURLINGTON, Vt., October 8, 2024
— In a move to grow the cybersecurity workforce,
Champlain College
and
GuardsArm
have launched
Vermont Cyber Start, a statewide dual-enrollment program, giving
Vermont high school students a head start in the
industry.
According to the White House, roughly 500,000 cybersecurity jobs are
unfilled, prompting a federal hiring sprint.
The
Vermont Cyber Start program offers up to 12
college credits, hands-on experience, and a
clear pathway to higher education while
preparing students with foundational skills in
cybersecurity. The program encourages students
to continue their education in college,
equipping them for future entry-level positions
in one of the nation’s fastest-growing
industries. By equipping Vermont’s young talent
with the skills needed to succeed, the program
aims to help close the cybersecurity talent gap.
“Champlain is extending its career-focused
education to high-school students so they can be
ready for work in Vermont’s in-demand
cybersecurity and digital forensics industries,”
said Alex Hernandez, president of Champlain
College. “Through this unique pathway, our goal
is to create opportunity and growth in
communities across Vermont.”
Through online and in-person coursework led by
Champlain faculty, high school juniors and
seniors across the state will have the
opportunity to gain hands-on experience while
building a solid foundation for a career in
cybersecurity.
Key benefits of
the Vermont Cyber Start Program:
- Earn up to 12 college credits: Students can earn up to nine transferable credits at no cost through Vermont’s Dual Enrollment Program and an additional three credits during their first cybersecurity work experience.
- College admission: Students that complete the first three classes receive conditional acceptance to Champlain College.
- Workforce preparation: The curriculum provides a path to an internship and future entry-level jobs when paired with continued education.
“This program is a powerful step toward closing the skills gap in one of the most critical industries, and it can serve as a model for launching programs around the country," said Justin Fimlaid, CEO of GuardsArm. "We’re proud to play a role in developing Vermont’s future workforce while helping meet the demand for cybersecurity talent. It also extends our partnership with Champlain College to help high school students gain the skills they need to launch their careers in cybersecurity.”
Upon completion of the first three college courses, students may take an additional class to develop their professional skills during their first cybersecurity internship or job. This will earn students three more college credits and a Trusted Security Advisor badge recognized by GuardsArm. Top students will be eligible for success scholarships to continue cyber studies at Champlain or other colleges.
"We are excited to be part of this collaboration with Champlain College and GuardsArm Inc Security," said Katie Dowman, Center for Technology, Essex instructor. “The Vermont Cyber Start Program provides a unique chance for our students to gain access to valuable education and experiences in cybersecurity, opening doors to certifications, internships, and rewarding career paths."
This groundbreaking partnership between Champlain
College and GuardsArm demonstrates support for the
growth of Vermont’s workforce and economic
development, as well as the needs of the U.S.
market. The White House recently announced
a hiring sprint
to fill jobs and develop skills for individuals in
cybersecurity and other areas of tech, “aimed at
preparing our country for a digitally-enabled
future by connecting Americans to good-paying,
meaningful jobs.” With nationally renowned
cybersecurity and digital forensics bachelor's
degree programs, Champlain College is once again
building on Vermont’s strengths to innovate in
emerging industries.
Learn more
about the
Vermont Cyber Start
program.
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About Champlain College: Founded in 1878, Champlain College is a small, not-for-profit, private college in Burlington, Vermont, with additional campuses in Montreal, Canada, and Dublin, Ireland. Champlain offers a traditional undergraduate experience from its beautiful campus overlooking Lake Champlain and a broad portfolio of online degrees and certificates through Champlain College Online. The College is known for its distinctive and innovative approach to career-focused education and its “upside-down” curriculum, which helps students be: “Ready for Work. Ready for Life. Ready to Make a Difference.” Champlain ranks in multiple categories of U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Colleges,” including Best Value Schools, Best Colleges in the North, Best Colleges for Veterans, and Top Performers on Social Mobility. Champlain was also listed among The Princeton Review’s “The Best 388 Colleges” in 2023 and was recognized as a 2022 College of Distinction for its “Engagement, Teaching, Community, and Outcomes” and ranked “Best MBA Program” by Vermont Business Magazine. For more information, visit www.champlain.edu.
About GuardsArm: GuardsArm Inc is an established national cybersecurity services firm, combining experience from a portfolio of hundreds of clients with the very best security technologies available. We deliver white glove, managed security programs that are the most comprehensive in the market from compliance to premium 24×7 security operations coverage. We make cybersecurity stronger and easier for our clients in state and local government, higher education, finance, healthcare, and insurance, helping them better understand and protect themselves. Learn more at guardsarm.com.
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