Fontbonne University in St. Louis announced a partnership with CyberUp, a national non-profit organization dedicated to closing the cybersecurity talent gap by helping adults and youth pursue cybersecurity careers.

Through the partnership, Fontbonne's students will earn bachelor's degrees in cybersecurity while simultaneously attending CyberUp's pre-apprenticeship course to obtain their CompTIA Security+ certification. CyberUp will also place junior and senior Fontbonne students with companies that will provide 2,000 hours of on-the-job training through its Cybersecurity Analyst registered apprenticeship program. Upon completion, students will then earn another industry recognized certification and a Department of Labor Journeyman certification.

“Fontbonne is excited to partner with CyberUp to bring our cybersecurity students a new opportunity for quality on-the-job training and a strong theoretical foundation in cybersecurity,” said Adam Weyhaupt, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Fontbonne. “Fontbonne’s bachelor’s degree program in cybersecurity is cutting-edge as the first in the St. Louis metropolitan area to receive ABET accreditation. With this partnership, Fontbonne and CyberUp will strengthen the cybersecurity pipeline in St. Louis and break new ground for collaboration between apprenticeship programs and higher education.”