1.5 million grant at Murray State to create free cybersecurity certificate program
Summary
MURRAY, Ky. A growing concern for cybersecurity nationwide is prompting universities like Murray State to create a low or no-cost certificate program for students interested in computer security.The university received a $1.5 million, three-year grant from the Employment and Training Administration within the Department of Labor through the Delta Regional Authority to start a cyber security certificate program.Students can enroll in the program and earn their certificate for free. The reports show that cybersecurity jobs take 21% longer to fill, and there arent enough workers to fulfill 31% of cybersecurity jobs in the U.S.Ramage hopes students will stay in the area once they finish the program. He said companies are hiring remote workers from larger cities to fill positions in rural areas. The program aims to pair students with companies in west Kentucky, adding workers to the delta region. "The new certificate program also aims to bring more diversity into the industry.Liliana Bazzell, a sophomore in cyber security, hopes to use her talents to work in the banking industry.