Radford University receives grant over $200k to strengthen IT & Cybersecurity workforce development

The GO Virginia State Board announced it is awarding Radford University with a grant worth over $202,000 aimed toward growing the regional economy through IT and cybersecurity education programs. (Photo Courtesy: Radford University).

RADFORD, Va. (WFXR)– The GO Virginia State Board announced it is awarding Radford University with a grant worth over $202,000 aimed toward growing the regional economy through IT and cybersecurity education programs.

Developing IT & Cybersecurity Certification Pipeline (ITCCP), is a partnership between the Radford University Division of Economic Development and Corporate Education, Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Southwest Virginia. It also involves collaborative partners including Virginia Tech, and New River Community College to increase the number of professionals with IT and cybersecurity certifications.

“Strategic investments from the Commonwealth of Virginia and local partnerships are an ideal way to create economic prosperity, and Radford University is proud to be a significant partner for meeting the needs of GO Virginia Region 2.” President Bret Danilowicz said. “With this support from GO Virginia, local governments, regional employers, and our educational partners at Virginia Tech and New River Community College, we can address a clear demand in our region for IT and cybersecurity professionals and provide a pathway to rewarding careers.”

This project will enhance the coordination and communication between Radford University and its higher education partners area employees to create a talent pipeline of student and graduates with in-demand professional certifications. This pipeline will be developed through IT and cybersecurity programs at partnering institutions that have existing courses aligned to professional certifications.

ITCCP will also connect regional employers to the credentialed talent to fill in-demand local positions.

“This collaborative project will tap into existing courses and programs at these institutions to create a pipeline of graduates with IT and cybersecurity certifications that employers can pull from to fill critical, in-demand jobs in the region,” said Charlie Jewell, director of economic development and community engagement for Radford University and principal investigator for the ITCCP project.