Preparing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders on campus.
The Cal Poly California Cybersecurity Institute (CCI) leads a state and national initiative to address cybersecurity challenges. By bringing together the tech community, government agencies, and educational institutions, the CCI is enhancing cybersecurity defense capabilities at Cal Poly, for the state of California, and across the nation. We do this through our work focused on three pillars:
- Train to reskill, upskill, and build tech literacy across the State of California and communities around the country.
- Accelerate unique opportunities to advance the Cal Poly Learn by Doing pedagogy for students and faculty.
- Empower early education opportunities to build a pipeline for future students interested in careers in technology.
New this year is the Cleared for Success (CFS) Program is a specialized workforce development initiative designed to increase student interest and exposure to careers in the cleared space. CFS will help establish a clear path for career readiness, emphasizing the importance of obtaining and maintaining credentials, and enhance job opportunities for hundreds of highly qualified students in well-paying roles across public and private sectors. This program is a partnership between the California Cybersecurity Institute, the College of Engineering and the Noyce School of Applied Computing.
- Broaden the Reach of the Space Grand Challenge (SGC) Program.
- The Space Grand Challenge (SGC) Program is a global virtual game-based cybersecurity competition for middle and high school students built by Cal Poly students. Last year was a high-water mark with 702 players from around the country—your investment helps us broaden and bring new players to this year’s game.
- Provide more student work opportunities.
- The CCI has always prioritized getting students ready for their careers. From the trainings we provide to the opportunities around game development and drafting newsletters, students acquire critical transferable skills valuable in the workforce. Your investment will help us recruit more students and provide more opportunities for Learn by Doing.
- Promote the National Security Workforce Program
- The Cleared for Success (CFS) Program is a high priority this year. With more efforts to promote outreach on campus, we hope to ignite student interest and develop a robust pipeline for the next generation of national security professionals. This will develop skills, instill confidence and establish a solid educational foundation centered around security clearances. By providing career service resources and the tools needed for students to be able to pursue opportunities with clearances, we are empowering them to be both day-one ready and to be able to pursue unconventional and rewarding careers post-graduation
