Workforce Readiness

IBM to Co-Create Cybersecurity Leadership Centers at 20 HBCUs

• By Rhea Kelly
• 09/27/22

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.