Key Takeaways
- The state of Kansas is launching a new partnership between community colleges and the Kansas National Guard to develop more cybersecurity professionals.
- The partnership aims to create clear pathways for Kansans to enter the high-demand field of cybersecurity and strengthen the Guard’s critical mission.
- Community colleges will work with the Kansas National Guard’s 184th Wing to expand, adapt, or develop curriculum and credentialing pathways that reflect the Guard’s current and emerging mission needs.
- The partnership will provide students with hands-on knowledge of cutting-edge technologies and expose them to career paths that allow them to use their skills to protect the state and nation.
Introduction to the Partnership
The state of Kansas is taking a significant step towards developing more cybersecurity professionals through a new partnership between community colleges and the Kansas National Guard. U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), Kansas Community Colleges, and the Kansas National Guard are joining forces to create a pipeline of skilled cyber talent to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals. The partnership was announced during a visit by Senator Marshall to the Butler Community College cybersecurity program, where he saw firsthand the important work being done by community colleges to train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
The Demand for Skilled Cyber Talent
The demand for skilled cyber talent has never been greater, and Kansas is taking proactive steps to address this need. According to Senator Marshall, "Kansas’ Air National Guard is a national leader in producing world-class cybersecurity professionals who help defend our country and keep Kansans safe." However, the demand for skilled cyber talent is outpacing the supply, and the state needs to create more pathways for individuals to enter this high-demand field. The partnership between community colleges and the Kansas National Guard aims to address this need by providing students with the skills and training required to succeed in the field of cybersecurity.
The Partnership Details
Under the new partnership, community college member institutions will work collaboratively with the Kansas National Guard’s 184th Wing to expand, adapt, or develop curriculum and credentialing pathways that reflect the Guard’s current and emerging mission needs. The partnership will pursue innovative approaches to education and training, including stackable credentials, competency-based learning, micro-pathways, and opportunities that support Airmen, veterans, and Kansas learners seeking technical and professional advancement. Participating community colleges include Cloud County Community College, Butler Community College, Garden City Community College, Barton Community College, and Hutchinson Community College, as well as Newman University.
Reaction from Partnering Institutions
The partnering institutions are excited about the new partnership and the opportunities it will provide for students and Guard members. Heather Morgan, Executive Director of the Kansas Association of Community Colleges, stated, "Kansas Community Colleges are excited for this new partnership with the Kansas National Guard and specifically the 184th Air National Guard wing to enhance cyber security, unmanned aerial systems and artificial intelligence knowledge of soldiers and civilians who support them." Col. Joe Deeds, Commander of the 184th Wing, added, "Our Kansas Colleges are vital partners in empowering our citizen-airmen, creating stronger, more capable, and educated warriors." Dr. Daniel, President of Butler Community College, also expressed his support for the partnership, stating that Butler Community College is proud to support this statewide partnership with the Kansas Air National Guard to strengthen cybersecurity education and workforce pathways across Kansas.
The Benefits of the Partnership
The partnership between community colleges and the Kansas National Guard will provide numerous benefits for students, Guard members, and the state as a whole. It will provide students with hands-on knowledge of cutting-edge technologies and expose them to career paths that allow them to use their skills to protect the state and nation. The partnership will also strengthen the Guard’s critical mission by providing them with a pipeline of skilled cyber talent. Additionally, the partnership will contribute to the economic development of the state by creating a workforce that is equipped to meet the demands of the modern economy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the partnership between community colleges and the Kansas National Guard is a significant step towards developing more cybersecurity professionals in the state of Kansas. The partnership will provide students with the skills and training required to succeed in the field of cybersecurity and will strengthen the Guard’s critical mission. With the support of Senator Marshall and the partnering institutions, the state of Kansas is well on its way to creating a pipeline of skilled cyber talent that will help to protect the state and nation from cyber threats. The partnership is a great example of how government, education, and industry can come together to address the workforce needs of the modern economy.