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This image has a roadmanp for CCI, in a way like the game slides and ladders
Southwest Virginia students in security-related fields are climbing their own routes into the cybersecurity workforce with help from Commonwealth Cyber Initiative programs and resources. Graphic by Kathy Acosta for Virginia Tech.

The breadth and depth of the cybersecurity research ongoing in the Southwest node of CCI is drawing students to hands-on opportunities. Hundreds of graduates and undergraduates are working directly on CCI research or engaged in cybersecurity internships or training programs. These experiences equip students with highly specialized cybersecurity skills, preparing them to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity talent in the commonwealth and beyond. 

CCI is also dedicated to supporting professional development and training opportunities for K-12 educators and other learners in our region.

Student Opportunities Spring 2025

Events & workshops

  • The Student Researcher Showcase will take place April 4, 2025 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm  at the Integrated Security Education and Research Center  (ISERC), Corps Leadership and Military Science Building - Room 370, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg campus.  The CCI Researcher Showcase is an opportunity for the students to present their ongoing research projects and share their methods and results to date. There will be awards for the top three posters. Register here by March 21, 2025. 
  • The Cyber Innovation Scholars Program Workshop will take place March 28th, 2025. Graduate Students and Post Docs can apply to this program. This program explores avenues to commercialize research ideas, become familiar with  commercialization resources and issues to consider before creating a startup. Participants can be a part of this program for 2 academic years. Apply here by March 7, 2025. 
  • A Cybersecurity Job Fair Connecting Neurodivergent Talent & Employers will take place March 19, 2025 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm in a virtual environment. Interested students can register here.  
  • CCI Clearance Preparedness Program: If you want a career in a field that requires a security clearance, get a head start by attending the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative’s Clearance Preparedness Program.  This informational seminar series runs for 10 months.
  • Project Based Learning Program:  This program is designed to provide experiential learning opportunities to cyber and cyber-adjacent students attending a college or university within the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative’s network.

CCI SWVA Cyber IT Internship program

CCI SWVA Cyber Internship program subsidizes or supports cyber internships in information technology (IT) at regional organizations. Interns work with personnel from central IT, who are responsible for recruiting, planning and administering the program, focusing on the following three areas:

  • Cyber Defense
  • Security Architecture
  • Risk Management

Check with your IT organization at your CCI SWVA institution to see the opportunities.

CCI SWVA continues to expand student programs and opportunities. Check back for updates, or sign up for our newsletter. For more information on any of the current programs, contact the CCI SWVA team. 

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