WASHINGTON, April 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Mastercard
(NYSE: MA), in collaboration with Microsoft, Workday and the
nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service today
launched the Cybersecurity Talent Initiative – a
first-of-its-kind public-private partnership to recruit the
nation's best minds to defend against global cyberattacks. The
launch of this initiative serves as a call to action for leading
companies, federal agencies and higher education institutions to
come together and help grow the talent pipeline of cybersecurity
technologists to protect the nation and support our digital
economy.
With more than 313,000 cybersecurity job openings in the
U.S. between September 2017 and
August 2018, the talent deficit is
significant and the need for a skilled workforce is steadily
expanding. The Cybersecurity Talent Initiative is a new program to
help reduce the critical talent gap and support the next generation
of motivated, mission-driven cybersecurity leaders.
A selective cross-sector opportunity for highly qualified,
recent graduates in cybersecurity-related fields, the Cybersecurity
Talent Initiative helps to jumpstart careers and provide the
training and experience needed to lead the nation's cyber defense
across the public and private sectors. Participants selected for
the program will be guaranteed a two-year placement at a federal
agency with cybersecurity opportunities. Before the conclusion of
their federal service, participants will then be eligible for
full-time positions with the program's private sector partners, and
once hired, will receive up to $75,000 in student loan assistance.
The Cybersecurity Talent Initiative includes an unparalleled
group of private sector companies and government agencies that play
a vital role in protecting the nation and digital economy.
Founding partners in the program's inaugural year
include:
- Mastercard
- Microsoft
- Workday
Participating federal agencies include:
- Central Intelligence Agency
- Department of Defense
- Department of Energy
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Federal Election Commission
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Naval Intelligence
- Small Business Administration
"Cybersecurity is a critical issue facing our world today. It
will take a true collaboration between the public and private
sectors to get the right resources in place to address the threat,"
said Ron Green, chief security
officer, Mastercard. "We invite more corporations and government
agencies to join us in this critical endeavor and give the best and
brightest talent an opportunity to get a step up, enhance their
skills and pave their own career paths."
Throughout the program, participants will engage with subject
matter experts from the public and private sectors, build an
interagency network of cybersecurity colleagues across government
and attend leadership development sessions. By working for
government organizations and innovative private sector companies,
participants will gain an understanding of the complexity of
cybersecurity challenges and develop the necessary skills needed to
overcome threats to the nation's digital infrastructure.
"The Army is pleased to join the Cybersecurity Talent Initiative
and partner with top companies and universities across the country
to develop cybersecurity talent and provide them with opportunities
that help support our nation's defense," said Brig. Gen.
Jennifer Buckner, director of
headquarters Department of the Army's Cyber, Electronic Warfare and
Information Operations. "This program reflects not only our
emphasis on, but also the immense value we see in public-private
partnerships to collaboratively address the country's cyberspace
talent deficit."
The federal government's ability to deliver important services
to the American people, protect privacy and safeguard classified
information requires an effective and secure digital infrastructure
overseen by highly skilled cybersecurity professionals. As of
June 2018, only four percent of
federal cybersecurity employees are under the age of 30, compared
to nearly 14 percent of federal cybersecurity employees over the
age of 60, according to federal workforce data.
"It is critical for our government to attract and hire highly
skilled workers capable of securing federal computer networks and
building defenses against the thousands of cyberattacks that occur
every year," said Max Stier,
president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, the
organization operating the new initiative. "The federal government
has fallen more and more behind in the race for cyber talent, and
this program will help get it back on track."
"The Cybersecurity Talent Initiative is an important way for the
George Washington University and other
top universities to help build a first-class cybersecurity
workforce," said Thomas LeBlanc,
president of The George Washington
University. "This program offers a unique opportunity for
our students to gain invaluable leadership skills and hands-on
experience in the public and private sectors, while alleviating the
burden of student loan debt."
Candidates can apply now on the website through October 18. Agencies will make offers by spring
2020 and participants will start in the summer or fall of
2020.
Visit CyberTalentInitiative.org to become a corporate
sponsor.
About Mastercard
Mastercard (NYSE:
MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global
payments industry. Our global payments processing network
connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments
and businesses in more than 210 countries and
territories. Mastercard products and solutions make everyday
commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a
business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more
efficient for everyone. Follow us on
Twitter @MastercardNews, join the discussion on
the Beyond the Transaction
Blog and subscribe for the latest news on
the Engagement Bureau.
About the Partnership for Public Service
During the
past 17 years, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public
Service has been dedicated to making the federal government more
effective for the American people. We work across administrations
to help transform the way government operates by increasing
collaboration, accountability, efficiency and innovation. As the
operating partner of the Cybersecurity Talent Initiative, the
Partnership works in coordination with agency and corporate
partners to help recruit top cybersecurity talent; manage and
oversee the application process; and provide comprehensive
professional and leadership development opportunities for the
participants. Visit ourpublicservice.org to learn more. Follow
us on social @RPublicService and subscribe today to
get the latest federal news, information on upcoming Partnership
programs and events, and more.
CONTACTS:
Partnership for Public Service
Onamé Thompson
202-775-6898
Mastercard
Jenn DeBerge
636-722-7506
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SOURCE Partnership for Public Service