HBCU Students To Benefit From New Cybersecurity Consortium
PROPEL has announced the establishment of the PROPEL HBCU Cybersecurity Consortium (HCC), in partnership with Southern Company,
Led by Dr Lisa Herring, the former superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, PROPEL is a first-of-its-kind innovation hub for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Strengthening Industry-Academia Collaboration
PROPEL’s new HCC incorporates four key elements: a resource hub, professional development programs, accelerated learning opportunities, and a workforce pipeline.
By providing HBCU students and faculty with access to the latest industry trends, technologies, and real-world projects, the consortium aims to create an educational environment that encourages innovation and practical learning.
“PROPEL’s consortium will set a benchmark for developing a future workforce that is well equipped to address and solve the cybersecurity needs of today and tomorrow,” said Chris Womack, President and CEO of Southern Company.
“Leveraging the insights, tools, resources and access to real-world opportunities that industry and government entities can bring to the table now will help further develop and enrich the transformative skills our future workforce must have.”
Addressing Diversity in Cybersecurity
A key aspect of the HCC’s mission is to tackle the underrepresentation of Black professionals in cybersecurity.
The consortium has already drawn participation from 32 HBCUs, which are now working together to create a diverse and well-equipped cybersecurity workforce.
Applications for the HCC”s inaugural programs open until May 8, 2024.
Featured image: Dr Lisa Herring. Credit: Atlanta Public Schools
