Overview
Portland State University has received a grant to build pathways to cybersecurity careers for Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes. This program will offer a series of connected trainings and a mentor to facilitate education and job growth for tribal members, at no cost to tribes.
About the programs
This grant will facilitate three components designed to develop interest in, accessibility to, and experience in cybersecurity.
Cyber Education Seminars
OCCoE will coordinate with each of Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes to host an in-person, on-site (or in close proximity) educational event to educate and train tribal members in cybersecurity. Each event will be tailored to the needs of the individual tribe.
Mentorship & Career Pathways Advising
OCCoE, in partnership with the Tribes, will design a Career Pathways and Mentorship program for tribal members interested in pursuing careers in Cybersecurity. Mentors will be selected by the Tribe and assist participants in navigating further educational opportunities and career paths. Mentors will help with:
- Becoming familiar with cybersecurity career pathways outlined by NICE.
- Identifying job pathways to pinpoint areas for growth.
- Understanding the work roles, tasks, knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) keys to success.
- Sharing training and professional development opportunities to build skills and maximize potential.
Scholarships
Funding is available for interested participants to pursue professional certifications in cybersecurity.
Certificate in Building Cyber Resilience
Designed and adapted specifically for Oregon’s Tribes, this program is a no-cost, highly collaborative training that will use a cohort-based case study approach to learn about common cyber risks; how to identify, assess, and communicate cyber risks; and how to conduct the first step in mitigating threats through a risk assessment. A deep technical background is not required, and technical concepts will be explained through the course of 12 weekly sessions. Understanding cybersecurity risk is an essential first step in protecting data and ensuring organizational resiliency in the event of a cyber-attack or natural disaster. Cyber risks can take the form of technical or physical threats or vulnerabilities, regulatory compliance requirements, financial loss, data loss, or reputational harm.
About the OCCoE
Established by Oregon House Bill 2049 (2023), the OCCoE represents a collaborative effort between Portland State University, Oregon State University, and University of Oregon with a joint mission: to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world applications in cybersecurity across the state of Oregon. Through collaborative educational and workforce development programs, research initiatives, industry outreach programs, and educational workshops, we aim to empower individuals, local governments, regional governments, special districts, tribal governments, educational service districts, public school districts, and other public entities with the knowledge and tools to combat cyber threats and improve their cyber resilience.
About the funding
Portland State University was issued funding through the State of Oregon, acting by and through its Higher Education Coordinating Commission (“HECC”) through a Request for Applications (“RFA”) to award grants to eligible entities that administer workforce programs in the technology sector as authorized by ORS 660.400.
Contact
If you have any questions about this program or would like more information, please contact Sullivan at suswift@pdx.edu.