Fifth Cybersecurity Mentorship Program Welcomes 4 New Companies & Colleges
Program has supported 136 diverse students from 32 schools statewide
The Massachusetts Cybersecurity Mentorship Program has supported 136 diverse students from 32 schools across the Commonwealth, connecting them with professional mentors to discuss cybersecurity careers and work together on a cyber-related project.
The fall 2022 cohort is the fifth session of the program over the past three years, helping to grow and foster diversity in the cybersecurity workforce in Massachusetts, a critical issue for the sector. In addition to the work with their mentor, students also participate virtually in career panels.
The program has welcomed 72 mentors from 39 companies over the five sessions. Four new mentor companies were added to the program this fall:
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Four new schools were added to the program this session to bring the total number of participating institutions to 32, representing two- and four-year higher ed institutions across the state.
The four new schools are participating this fall are: Cambridge College, Framingham State University, Holyoke Community College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).
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According to the Aspen Institute, it is estimated that only 4 percent of cybersecurity workers self-identify as Hispanic, 9 percent as Black, and 24 percent as women. Previous sessions of the program confirmed that industry mentors can play a powerful role in encouraging diverse student talent to enter the cybersecurity profession.
The full list of organizations and schools that have participated in the program, along with details on how to become a mentor or mentee, can be found at https://masscybercenter.org/mentorship.