Cal Poly California Cybersecurity Institute (CCI) has successfully launched its Cyber to Schools program that works to provide students with training certifications and pathways to digital careers. Cyber to Schools is an initiative led by CCI that prepares K-12 students for careers in the digital revolution through training and free industry-recognized certification programs with an emphasis on inclusivity and hands-on learning by way of Cal Poly’s Learn By Doing pedagogy. Cyber to Schools focuses on educational and training pathways to upskill underserved middle and high school populations in digital literacy and professional certifications including: Amazon Web Services, Splunk, Cisco and NVIDIA.

As part of the Cyber to Schools program, the CCI is working with the Kansas City Black Chamber of Commerce to build a franchise model that can be delivered to other disadvantaged communities and drive economic prosperity. The Kansas City Black Chamber of Commerce is launching ‘Stronger Together KC’, a small business accelerator and talent development initiative to support the African American business community in the Kansas City region generating economic vitality benefits region wide. Stronger Together is a two pronged program. First the ‘Close the Gap’ initiative provides emerging small businesses with professional services and mentorship support by leveraging a partner network of community members, organizations, businesses, and educational institutions. Similar to a startup accelerator that you might find near university, ‘Close the Gap’ provides training and advisory services for emerging business to support essential needs critical for long term business viability like business plan development, legal advice, human resources competency, and other skills development tailored to their specific needs. Close the Gap also provides mentorship from experienced/prior business oriented community members and in the future, talent matching drawing in part from the Cyber to Schools program.

During summer 2021, more than 700 Kansas City students participated in the Cyber to Schools program. Three of those students earned a paid internship funded by McCownGordon Construction to establish a Cyber Club at their schools and to help prepare for next year’s summer program. This helps to grow and futureproof the next generation of talent who can work for emerging businesses supported by Stronger Together, or in the future start their own businesses creating an economic development flywheel effect. Stronger Together improves the competitiveness and economic vitality of the broader KC region making it a win-win for all.

Please reach out to Martin Minnich, CCI program manager, if you have any questions: mminnich@calpoly.edu