IBM to Co-Create Cybersecurity Leadership Centers at 20 HBCUs

IBM is working with 20 historically Black colleges and universities across the country to help establish Cybersecurity Leadership Centers that will provide students and faculty with training and certification resources at no cost. The project expands on six HBCU partnerships the company announced in May, as part of its pledge to train 150,000 people in cybersecurity over the next three years.

Faculty and students at participating schools will have free access to cybersecurity coursework, lectures, immersive training experiences, certifications, IBM Cloud-hosted software, and professional development, the company explained in a news announcement. Among the resources and services available:

  • IBM will develop a customized IBM Security Learning Academy portal for each participating HBCU, offering courses to complement their existing cybersecurity education portfolio.
  • IBM will continue to provide access to IBM SkillsBuild, a free digital platform that provides learning, support and resources for individuals seeking entry-level employment.
  • Faculty and students can experience an immersive, simulated cyberattack through IBM Security Command Center, to help train them on preparation and response techniques.
  • Faculty will receive consultation sessions with IBM technical personnel on cybersecurity.
  • Participants will have access to multiple IBM Security enterprise security products hosted in the IBM Cloud.
  • Professional development forums will allow participants to share best practices, learn from IBM experts, and discover IBM internships and job openings.

Participating HBCUs include: Alabama A&M University, Talladega College, Tuskegee University, Edward Waters University, Florida A&M University, Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Grambling State University, Southern University System, Xavier University of Louisiana, Bowie State University, Morgan State University, Alcorn State University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, South Carolina State University, Voorhees University, Texas Southern University, Norfolk State University, and West Virginia State University.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • glowing blue nodes connected by thin lines in an abstract network on a dark gray to black gradient background

    Report: Generative AI Taking Over SD-WAN Management

    In a few years, nearly three quarters of network operators will use generative AI for SD-WAN management, according to a new report from research firm Gartner.

  • abstract pattern with interconnected blue nodes and lines forming neural network shapes, overlaid with semi-transparent bars and circular data points

    Data, AI Lead Educause Top 10 List for 2025

    Educause recently released its annual Top 10 list of the most important technology issues facing colleges and universities in the coming year, with a familiar trio leading the bunch: data, analytics, and AI. But the report presents these critical technologies through a new lens: restoring trust in higher education.

  • abstract image representing AI tools for reading and writing

    McGraw Hill Introduces 2 Gen AI Learning Tools

    Global education company McGraw Hill has added two new generative AI tools to help personalize learning experiences for both K–12 and higher ed students, according to a news release.

  • abstract image of fragmented, floating geometric shapes with holographic lock icons and encrypted code, set against a dark, glitchy background with intersecting circuits and swirling light trails

    Education Sector a Top Target for Mobile Malware Attacks

    Mobile and IoT/OT cyber threats continue to grow in number and complexity, becoming more targeted and sophisticated, according to a new report from Zscaler.