3. Offering apprenticeships

Researchers at the Aspen Institute recommended embracing the apprenticeship model for cybersecurity, in which students learn on-the-job at businesses, as a practice for boosting diversity in the cybersecurity workforce. Colleges and universities offer these programs through partnerships with employers, with some costs offset by federal funding. The Colorado Community College system recently received $2 million for four colleges to build apprenticeship programs in fields including IT and cybersecurity.

Lake Region State College in North Dakota offers an apprenticeship program for several technical degrees that connects students with local state agencies and organizations. The “Earn to Learn” program connects students with mentors during a 2-3 year program. CityBridge, a nonprofit in Washington D.C., is offering apprenticeships with local technology companies to students in K-12 to open up career opportunities in high-demand fields.