GLENVILLE, WV – Glenville State University will be offering free cybersecurity training as part of a joint effort between Glenville State University, and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in the form of a POWER grant addressing Cybersecurity and Safety Workforce Development Initiative. The Initiative aims to create a more vibrant economic future for the coal-impacted North Central region of West Virginia. This opportunity is open to anyone; adults wanting to upgrade their skills for better employment, high school seniors, and college students.
Job demand for employees with cybersecurity skills, in West Virginia and the United States, has seen a swift climb in recent years. This trend is expected to continue for many years to come. The time is now to get certifications in cybersecurity. “Our grant with ARC allows for the development of these free boot camps and will provide each participant with all the training materials, study guides, and exams at no cost to the participant. Counties in West Virginia, which are defined by the State of West Virginia as depressed or at-risk counties, have a unique opportunity to receive training and eventual certification in cybersecurity-related fields.
We are making strong efforts to bring the training to the people in these counties.” said Peggy Runyon, Project Director for the Cybersecurity and Safety Workforce Development Initiative. “This training would cost an individual several thousand dollars, if they had to pay for it out of pocket. I sincerely encourage individuals to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity.”
Currently, a class for CompTIA A+ is scheduled to be held for 3 days at the Pierpont Community & Technical College space at Braxton County High School, October 21-22-23, 2023, from 9am-5pm daily. The course will be instructed by Mark Wray. The course is for those who want to learn the basic functions and management of computers. Individuals with this certification will be able to assist in helping others diagnosis computer problems and repair problems encountered. A class for CompTIA Network+ is scheduled to be held for 3 days at the Pierpont Community & Technical College space at Braxton County High School, November 4-5-6, 2023, from 9am-5pm daily. The course will be instructed by Mark Wray. The course is for those who wish to learn how to configure and manage essential network devices and create resilient networks.
No prerequisites are required. The classes are open to anyone 16 years of age and older. This is a free class for participants. Seating is limited for these courses. For more information about the course, or to register, contact Ms. Runyon by email at Peggy.Runyon@glenville.edu or by phone at (304) 462-6383.
This project was developed collaboratively with many diverse stakeholders and made possible by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) POWER Initiative Grant. To learn more about ARC’s POWER Initiative, visit https://www.arc.gov/arcs-power-initiative/.
A total of $1,402,408 in local and federal funding is being provided for the project, 80% of which, ($1,120,995) comes from the Appalachian Regional Commission while 20% ($281,413) comes from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and Glenville State University.
