For the past 12 years, California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) has sought to develop a world-class cybersecurity workforce in our region, state, and nation to attract industry and promote economic development. CSUSB is a leader in training and postsecondary education, both in the state of California and nationally. Through our work with the National Centers of Academic Excellence (NCAE) program at the National Security Agency, CSUSB leads the Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Community (CAE Community), a national center supporting over 440 community colleges and universities, as well as a cyber range serving more than 600 educational institutions. CSUSB has created a collaborative model from idea to action with partners across the nation, all focused on growing opportunities for the training and education of the cybersecurity workforce.

The WITH project’s goals encompass developing strategies and tactics to build successful regional alliances and multi-stakeholder partnerships. Eventually the program’s ultimate goal is to leverage the entire CSU 23 campuses to drive the development of the cyber workforce through many avenues like; research, apprenticeships, outreach and mentorships, and also defining workforce pathways. This program is to help students gain the knowledge and experience they need to succeed in their Cyber careers. This will help leverage K-12, Community Colleges, and as well as driving jobs in California for Cybersecurity.

WITH-Cyber establishes a statewide cyber workforce educational ecosystem within California. This comprehensive program leverages a collaborative workforce development ecosystem designed to meet the cyber workforce demands of the state. Anchored by the 23-campus California State University System and led by California State University, San Bernardino, WITH-Cyber will engage K-12 schools, community colleges, and universities in regional hubs to create workforce pipelines and educational programs that emphasize local initiatives.

The goals of the WITH project encompass developing strategies and tactics to build successful regional alliances and multi-stakeholder partnerships. Ultimately, the program aims to leverage all 23 CSU campuses to drive the development of the cyber workforce through various avenues such as research, apprenticeships, outreach, mentorships, and defining workforce pathways. This initiative is designed to equip students with the knowledge and experience they need to succeed in their cybersecurity careers, ultimately driving job growth in California’s cybersecurity sector.