Grant from Arkansas Office of Skills Development provides financial assistance to qualified Arkansans
Applications Being Accepted for Basic IT and Cyber Bootcamps, Scholarships Now Available
Applications are currently being accepted for significant tuition assistance for Forge Institute IT and Cyber skills bootcamps. Forge has partnered with the Arkansas Office of Skills Development (OSD) to make more instructor-led training available to qualified Arkansans seeking higher paying IT and cyber careers.
“Cybercrime is expected to cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025,” said Scott Anderson, Executive Director for Forge Institute. “Recent events in Europe have only underscored the vital need for a workforce trained in cybersecurity. This partnership with OSD is an incredible opportunity for the people of Arkansas.”
It’s important that those interested in taking advantage of the tuition assistance apply as soon as possible, as class space is limited. Applicants can choose from IT/Cyber Fundamentals – a multi-week course that delivers foundational training to individuals interested in pursuing a career in Information Technology & Cybersecurity – and the Cyber Training Bootcamp, a 14-week program that delivers the required baseline training individuals need to become cybersecurity analysts, the preferred entry-level role in cybersecurity teams. The courses are instructor-led and offered in our Little Rock classroom and virtually. Both daytime and evening options are available.
People who are interested in taking advantage of the financial assistance are encouraged to apply at https://www.forge.institute/fundamentals. Space is limited, and courses are already reaching maximum capacity. Recent global events, including threats from geopolitical events, have created a strong demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals. Courses like Forge Institute’s IT Fundamentals and Cyber Bootcamp have become essential pathways to a rewarding career in cybersecurity and other fields in information technology (IT).
“Our partnership with the Forge Institute has grown over the years, becoming a critical component of our statewide, next-generation workforce development strategy.. Arkansans have an incredible ability to tackle diverse jobs across a wide range of technology-enabled industries. Our job is to help prepare a workforce-ready pipeline of individuals who can meet the needs of employers today and tomorrow. The recent grant awarded to Forge Institute is a critical piece allowing us to provide tuition assistance for Arkansans to further their career plans in the cyber and IT fields. .” Cody Waits, Director, Office of Skills Development (OSD), Arkansas Department of Commerce
Anderson explained that the initiative between Forge Institute and OSD is not only an opportunity for individual Arkansans, but a necessity for organizations to adequately harden their cybersecurity.
“The first, second and best line of cyber defense is a well-trained workforce,” said Anderson. “Nearly every industrial sector in Arkansas is run by technology, yet 95% of cyber breaches are the result of human error. A properly trained staff can help prevent significant financial loss to organizations.”
According to Anderson, “proper training means hands-on-keyboard training personally led by highly experienced instructors. Forge Institute has developed a robust academy of courses to meet the needs of employers by helping Arkansans become “workforce-ready.”
Financial assistance is available now. If you are interested in the training opportunities and to find out if you qualify, apply now at: https://www.forge.institute/fundamentals.
Key Facts
Forge Institute and the Arkansas OSD are partnering to develop more cyber skills for Arkansas’ workforce.
OSD has awarded Forge Institute $1.67 million over three years to use as scholarships for tuition assistance for Arkansans that meet the training requirements.
The initiative not only opens career doors for Arkansans, it helps to harden the state’s cyber defenses.
