HOLLY SPRINGS, Miss. — Rust College has launched a new cybersecurity workforce training program in partnership with the Mississippi Center for Innovation and Technology (MCITy) and Cisco Systems. The initiative aims to close the state’s critical skills gap of over 2,500 unfilled cybersecurity jobs.
The program, supported by Accelerate MS, offers two pathways to meet industry demand: a 4-month intensive in-person track at MCITy in Vicksburg with a stipend, and a 6-month flexible online track. Both tracks include hands-on labs, multiple industry-recognized certifications, a Rust College Cybersecurity Certificate, and a six-week internship with a Mississippi company.
“By partnering with MCITy and Cisco, we can build a skilled, globally minded workforce to protect critical sectors such as healthcare, finance, and education against evolving cyber threats,” said Dr. Johnny M. Moore, president of Rust College.
The training is open to all Mississippi residents who are U.S. citizens, with a focus on recent high school graduates, individuals seeking to upskill, and veterans. The first cohort began in October, with a second group scheduled for February.
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