White House’s National Cyber Director Features HBCU Cybersecurity Initiative From IBM SkillsBuild

Rhea-AI Summary

National Cyber Director Coker discusses IBM's collaboration with HBCUs at Norfolk State University's Black History Month Roundtable. IBM's Cybersecurity Leadership Development Centers aim to create a diverse cybersecurity workforce through free training and resources.

National Cyber Director Coker Remarks at Norfolk State University HBCU Roundtable

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 29, 2024 / At a Black History Month Roundtable held in late February at Norfolk State University, Harry Coker, Jr., the White House's National Cyber Director, highlighted the Cybersecurity Leadership Centers that IBM co-created with 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The reference to IBM's Cybersecurity Leadership Development Centers came during Mr. Coker's remarks on creating a stronger and more diverse cybersecurity workforce. He shared best practices and encouragement for HBCUs laying the foundation for rewarding career opportunities for those who seek to keep the country's data secure.

At these Leadership Deveopment Centers, where IBM SkillsBuild is used, "IBM is committing to help students and faculty at 20 HBCUs by providing course work lectures, immersive training experiences, [credentials], and more at no cost," said Mr. Coker.

In 2022, at the National HBCU Week Conference convened by the U.S. Department of Education and the White House, IBM announced its collaboration with 20 HBCUs, including Norfolk State, to help them establish Cybersecurity Leadership Centers.

He cited the IBM cybersecurity leadership development centers as one example of the "unprecedented coordination among academic institutions, employers, nonprofits and incubators, and the Federal Government" to help the country's meet its cybersecurity needs.

An enhanced version of IBM's SkillsBuild - offering access to IBM software, immersive learning experiences, and professional development resources -- lies at the heart of the IBM Cybersecurity Leadership Development Centers at the 20 participating HBCUs.

IBM SkillsBuild is a free education program focused on communities that have historically been underrepresented in technology. It helps adult learners, along with high school and university students and faculty, develop valuable new skills and access career opportunities. The program includes an online platform, complemented by customized practical learning experiences delivered in collaboration with a global network of partners.

Visit skillsbuild.org to learn more.

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SOURCE: IBM

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FAQ

What was discussed at the Black History Month Roundtable at Norfolk State University?

National Cyber Director Coker highlighted IBM's collaboration with 20 HBCUs to create Cybersecurity Leadership Development Centers.

What is the focus of IBM's Cybersecurity Leadership Development Centers?

IBM's centers aim to create a stronger and more diverse cybersecurity workforce by providing free course work lectures, training experiences, and credentials to students and faculty at 20 HBCUs.

What is IBM SkillsBuild and how is it utilized in the Cybersecurity Leadership Development Centers?

IBM SkillsBuild is a free education program that offers access to software, immersive learning experiences, and professional development resources. It is used at the centers to help develop valuable skills and access career opportunities.

What is the goal of IBM's collaboration with HBCUs in establishing Cybersecurity Leadership Centers?

The goal is to create rewarding career opportunities for individuals interested in keeping the country's data secure by providing them with the necessary skills and resources.

Where can one learn more about IBM SkillsBuild program?

One can learn more about the IBM SkillsBuild program by visiting skillsbuild.org.