With 500,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the U.S., the need for IT security expertise is critical. According to a 2022 cybersecurity study from Cobalt, 83% of cybersecurity teams struggle with staffing shortages and other effects of the cyber talent gap.

Cybersecurity leaders have weighed in on how to solve the cybersecurity talent shortage, with strategies ranging from revisiting hiring practices to training new talent in the field. Focusing on training and cyber education, 20 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across 11 U.S. states have established Cybersecurity Leadership Centers in partnership with IBM, helping to create talent for employers and opportunities for students.

• Alabama: Alabama A&M University; Talladega College; Tuskegee University
• Florida: Edward Waters University; Florida A&M University
• Georgia: Albany State University; Clark Atlanta University
• Louisiana: Grambling State University; Southern University System; Xavier University of LA
• Maryland: Bowie State University; Morgan State University
• Mississippi: Alcorn State University
• North Carolina: North Carolina A&T State University; North Carolina Central University
• South Carolina: South Carolina State University; Voorhees University
• Texas: Texas Southern University
• Virginia: Norfolk State University
• West Virginia: West Virginia State University

Faculty and students at participating schools will have access to coursework, lectures, immersive training experiences, certifications, IBM Cloud-hosted software, and professional development resources. This includes access to simulated cyberattack exercises, cybersecurity curricula, and access to industry events discussing cybersecurity best practices.

The Cybersecurity Leadership Centers aim to prepare a new generation of IT security leadership to take up roles in the field.