Microsoft wants to ‘enlist’ college students in the ‘cybersecurity battle’
Microsoft will work with community colleges across the United States to help train cybersecurity experts.
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What you need to know
Microsoft announced a new campaign to help fill 250,000 cybersecurity jobs by the middle of this decade. The company will work closely with community colleges throughout the country to help teach students the skills required to fill cybersecurity roles. “We need to mobilize America’s community colleges and enlist them in the cybersecurity battle,” says Microsoft president Brad Smith.
Smith outlines how Microsoft plans to reach this goal in ablog post. He also details the shortage of skilled cybersecurity workers in the United States. “Consider this – for almost every two cybersecurity jobs in the United States today, a third job is sitting empty because of a shortage of skilled people,” says Smith. He adds that jobs that require cybersecurity skills make up 6% of all open jobs in the United States.
Microsoft’s initial commitment will:
“In sum, we hope that people of all ages who are interested in the country’s cyber protection will consider the half-million open cybersecurity jobs as a personal invitation to a rewarding and exciting future,” says Smith. “And we’re prepared to put Microsoft’s technology, financial resources, learning materials, connections and voice behind a new national campaign to help take the next step.”
A Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program was also announced. It will provide scholarships and other resources to at least 25,000 students over the next four years. Microsoft’s program also includes free LinkedIn Premium accounts and mentorship from Microsoft employees.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
