Rust College, a historically Black educational institution in Holly Springs, Mississippi, recently launched a new initiative to train Mississippians for jobs in cybersecurity.
The program, developed in partnership with the Mississippi Center for Innovation and Technology (MCITy) and Cisco Systems, will provide participants with cybersecurity certificates from Rust College, as well as industry-approved certifications, career coaching, statewide recruitment services, and laptops.
“As the job market continues to grow rapidly in this area, we want to ensure our students at Rust College, and all Mississippians, are equipped to contribute their talents and take advantage of good-paying jobs,” said Johnny M. Moore, President of Rust College. “By partnering with MCITy and Cisco, we can build a skilled, globally minded workforce to protect critical sectors such as healthcare, finance, and education against evolving cyber threats.”
Participants can choose to complete the program either in person or online. The four-month, in-person opportunity will be hosted at MCITy in Vicksburg and feature daily training, a monthly stipend, three industry-recognized certifications, hands-on training labs, and a six-week internship with a Mississippi company. The six-month online program includes two weekly virtual sessions, a monthly in-person meeting, a travel stipend, and a six-week internship with a Mississippi company.
“By combining Rust College’s transformative education, MCITy’s workforce development expertise, and Cisco’s cutting-edge technologies, this program positions Mississippi as a leader in cybersecurity innovation,” said Denise Ferebee, director of the program and an associate professor of computer science at Rust College. “Together, we are building a resilient digital ecosystem that drives progress and uplifts communities.”
While it is open to all Mississippi residents who are U.S. citizens, the program prioritizes recent high school graduates, individuals seeking to upskill, and veterans. More information on the initiative can be found here.
