70NANB24H028

Cooperative Agreement for the Building Future-Ready Professionals in Cybersecurity (BFP CYBER) (with Bowling Green State University): Purpose: The project's overarching mission is to cultivate a proficient and diverse cybersecurity workforce equipped with cutting-edge skills to effectively safeguard our digital landscape. To achieve these goals, the BFP CYBER project adopts a multi-faceted approach, integrating collaborative efforts with a diverse range of stakeholders including the Ohio government, seven cybersecurity firms, a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE), two four-year colleges, two community colleges, and eight high schools.

Activities to be performed: The proposed project includes four primary objectives: 1) assess the knowledge and skills of newly hired cybersecurity professionals to determine the current and future workforce needs accurately (to be completed via surveys and roundtable discussions); 2) establish and coordinate cybersecurity pathways that span from high schools to four-year colleges and eventually lead to industry employment (to be completed via workshops and development of education modules and other resources); 3) coordinate available resources for education and workforce development programs to ensure their effective utilization and synergy; and 4) enhance workforce capabilities to improve talent retention within communities and foster a sustainable cybersecurity workforce (via adaptation of a digital forensics program to conform to the NICE framework).

Expected outcomes: The successful implementation of the BFP CYBER project will have far-reaching impacts on cybersecurity education and workforce development. By fostering inclusivity and providing accessible pathways, the project will bridge the workforce gap and pave the way for a diverse and skilled cybersecurity workforce. The partnerships forged through this initiative will positively influence cybersecurity training at a regional level.

Intended beneficiaries: The NICE Program Office at NIST be supported in advancement of the NICE framework and local industry will be provided with guidance on how to effectively use the NICE framework. The public will be provided with opportunities to participate in activities and access to resources to help them explore and gain skills to prepare for cybersecurity careers.

Subrecipient activities: There are no planned subawards.

Bowling Green State University

TO ESTABLISH COMMUNITY-BASED PARTNERSHIPS TO DEVELOP CYBERSECURITY CAREER PATHWAYS THAT ADDRESS LOCAL WORKFORCE NEEDS.

11.620 - Science, Technology, Business and/or Education Outreach

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) [DOC]

Bowling Green, Ohio 43403-4401 United States

Single Zip Code

Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate (RAMPS) Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development (2023-NIST-RAMPS-01)

Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 03/31/26 to 09/30/26.