Contact: media@urban.org, (202) 261-5709
November 19, 2021 – Today the Urban Institute announced the launch of a new
degree-based registered apprenticeship program in cybersecurity in collaboration with
South Carolina State University (SCSU), ISHPI Information Technologies Inc., Integer
Technologies LLC, and a consortium of historically Black colleges and universities
(HBCUs) in South Carolina including Voorhees and Benedict Colleges.
“Students of color face systemic barriers to entering the cybersecurity field... This innovative degree-based registered apprenticeship program at HBCUs will help develop highly skilled workers & launch successful, well-paying careers in a field with great demand for talent.”
This innovative apprenticeship program brings together Urban Institute researchers,
HBCU faculty, and South Carolina employers to address the cybersecurity skills
shortage in South Carolina. The consortium’s apprenticeship program, supported with
technical assistance from Urban’s Apprenticeship Modernization and Expansion Fund
contract from the US Department of Labor, will create a pathway to high-quality and
rewarding careers in cybersecurity and IT for HBCU students and help meet employer
demand for positions in these fields in South Carolina and nationally.
Urban is providing technical assistance to SCSU and the consortium to help design,
launch, and implement the registered apprenticeship program in cybersecurity.
“Students of color face systemic barriers to entering the cybersecurity field,” said Diana
Elliott, principal research associate at the Urban Institute. “This innovative degree-
based registered apprenticeship program at HBCUs will help develop highly skilled
workers and launch successful, well-paying careers in a field with great demand for
talent.”
“South Carolina State University is glad to be part of this innovative and one-of-a-kind
program,” said Nikunja Swain, chair of the Computer Science and Mathematics
Department at South Carolina State University. “This competency-based degree
apprenticeship program will enhance the theoretical knowledge and skills of our HBCU
computing graduates with much needed practical experience working with the
employers, getting financial help while continuing with their program of study, and
increase the possibility of getting hired after completion of degree. This project will help
us to produce a robust pipeline of skilled professionals to address the information
technology/systems and cybersecurity requirements of employers, including federal
agencies.”
"Integer is thrilled to collaborate with the Urban Institute, SCSU, Benedict, and other
SC-based HBCUs on this innovative effort,” said Duke Hartman, chief executive officer
and cofounder at Integer Technologies, a South Carolina–based defense research
company and the first employer in the country to sign up for the program. “We believe
that America's science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce should
look like America. We hope this program inspires more students of color to pursue
STEM degrees and join us in the national security workforce."
“ISHPI has its origins in Mount Pleasant, SC, with a track record of providing
cybersecurity services to federal employers in the low country. It is an honor to
collaborate with the Urban Institute; South Carolina State University, the premier
public HBCU in the state; Integer Technologies LLC; and the SC HBCU consortium to
address the cybersecurity skills shortage in South Carolina statewide by launching an
employer-led cybersecurity degree apprenticeship cohort,” said Earl Bowers, president
and chief strategy officer of ISHPI.