Case Study: Cybersecurity Workforce Development

Connect Chicago Innovation Program winners AnitaB.org and ISACA’s SheLeadsTech program partnered to create an affordable and accessible cybersecurity training program to increase the representation of women in technology positions and provide pathways for retention and advancement in the field. 

Cybersecurity is a growing field, but women make up a small percentage of the workforce. Creating an accessible and affordable cybersecurity training program can help close the skills gap by offering training and workforce opportunities for women in underrepresented communities in Chicago. 

The program combined ISACA’s CSX Training Platform and AnitaB’s extensive mentoring network to offer a hands-on training program in a supportive and collaborative environment. A cohort of almost 20 women completed an 8-week in-person training; following three weeks of an introductory class on the basics of cybersecurity, skilled instructors led them through a series of online learning labs with real work cybersecurity scenarios. The course also included learning opportunities with industry speakers talking about cybersecurity jobs, resume building, and networking. AnitaB.org’s mentorship platform also offered relationship building and mentorship to continue and grow beyond the end of the program.

Collaboratively-Developed Workforce Development