Cyber Workforce Development Project

Program Overview

The SAC Cyber Workforce Development Project, offered by San Antonio College’ Center for Cybersecurity, is an intensive cybersecurity training program designed to grow and diversify the cybersecurity workforce. The program provides FREE cybersecurity training and career development for eligible transitioning military, first responders, and veterans to prepare and transition them into rewarding cybersecurity jobs in our nation’s Critical Infrastructure Sectors, including financial services, defense industrial base, and energy sectors.

Delivery Format: Online and In Person

Program Launch Timeline:

2021: Entry-level cybersecurity training to prepare participants for entry-level cybersecurity positions from March 1 - December 31, 2021.

2022: Entry-level program similar to 2021

The program will be offered for a cohort of 15 eligible participants the first year and 20 eligible participants the second year. All costs for eligible and accepted participants will be covered by the NSA grant.

The SAC Cyber Workforce Development Project is part of the National CAE Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program led by University of West Florida.

Program Benefits

Two semesters of full time cybersecurity training and career development program at no cost to eligible participants

Program and courses are 100% online, making learning accessible and convenient. Some courses may include optional synchronous online, e.g., Q&A sessions, which will be recorded and available for participants to view later.

Courses prepare students for cybersecurity careers with foundational knowledge and hands-on skills.

Students will connect with job opportunities via career resources and the Employers Network.

Provides certifications and digital badges to document competencies and skills

Program Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for program consideration, applicants must meet the following requirements:

A high school diploma or GED
At least one year of prior work experience as a first responder, in the military, or in business/finance and/or an undergraduate or graduate student who is pursuing a degree in criminal justice or finance
Enrolled in targeted SAC courses full-time.
Eligible participants will also need to meet any other criteria for employment, including the ability to obtain a security clearance if required.

Preferred Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in IT or STEM area

At least two years of IT or cybersecurity experience

Security clearance (active or past)

Program Participation Requirements

All selected applicants must agree and comply with the following:

Maintain full-time student status in one of the three Certificate programs offered at SAC

Information Assurance and Cyber Security Level 1 Certificate;
Computer Forensics, Level 1 Certificate;
Cyber First Responders Occupational Skills Award

Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA for all courses

Complete the certificate requirements successfully

Participate in the San Antonio College chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) club. (ACM fee will be paid by the grant)

Participate in National Cyber League competitions or similar competitions (fee will be paid by the grant)

Pass the CompTia Security+ certification (Certification exam fee will be paid for by grant)

Receive full tuition support as well as textbooks, fees, professional certifications fees, and supplies.

Student will be assigned class schedules based on experience/proficiency Cyber roles and will not deviate from class schedule.

All course must be taken at SAC-In person or remote learning

Dedicate time towards self-study and complete all program and course requirements, including assigned readings, labs, assessments and surveys each week.

Take any industry required certification exams within two weeks of each certification course completion and report exam results to the program coordinator.

Application Requirements

Individuals seeking to apply must complete the application form linked below and submit all required documents before the stated deadline. The documents should be submitted as part of the application form when prompted as PDF documents. Instructions for submitting documents are provided within the application.

Required Documents to apply for the SAC Cyber Workforce Development Project

Please submit the following materials:

Completed application form

Personal statement

Resume or curriculum vitae

Official transcripts from any previous post-secondary schools

One (1) letter of recommendation (professional or academic) highlighting technical and scholarly skills and experience, as well as form

For Transitioning Military Personnel: Submit a copy of your Electronic Military Service Record.

For Veterans: Submit Service Verification. (If you are a Veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs makes validating military service easy. Just log in to eBenefits and follow these steps:

Access your Documents and Records

Click on VA Letters

Click on the Service Verification link

Download and save the file as PDF

Application and Deadline

Important: Please review all program eligibility and application requirements, and compile all required documentation before applying.

Application Form: Access the application form here.

More Information or Questions? Please Contact:

Kim Muschalek, kmuschalek@alamo.edu