The objective of this program is to conduct a pilot program that facilitates students experiential learning opportunities focusing on an important part of the Virginia cybersecurity ecosystem, startups. Startups need young cybersecurity talent and are often impacted in their hiring of workers because of limited startup financing and the high cost of cybersecurity labor.
It is anticipated that through their participation in this program, the students will not only continue to develop further their technical skills with real world experience, but also gain valuable soft skills, such as critical thinking and communication. These young professionals are also encouraged to be part of the cybersecurity innovation ecosystem during their college education and on graduation, increasing the chances of their retention in the Virginia region.
Seven MEC companies – Colvin Run Networks (MEC-Leesburg), DataLock Consulting Group, KaDSci, LLC, Webworld Technologies, Harmony Tech, Venio Systems Inc., and Itinfra – have agreed to host Mason students this semester, their stipend paid for by the University, to work on their projects. Thanks to this experience, students will get a taste of life in a startup and may launch their own startups in the future.
For more information about the CCI Pilot Program, contact Gisele Stolz at [email protected], PI for George Mason University.