The goal of our Cultivating Technical Readiness (CTR) Program is to support members of Virginia Union University's Anchor Community by providing sponsorship for Digital Skills Training and IT Internships. Through this program, participants will enhance their comprehension of cybersecurity and engage in an internship simulator, equipping them with the skills needed to enter the tech industry.
In partnership with Radford University's Vinod Chachra IMPACT Lab, designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by both the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, we offer sponsorship for two asynchronous courses:
-This non-credit Introduction to Cybersecurity examines the need for cybersecurity and basic cybersecurity terminology.
This micro-course provides a self-directed learning experience for participants who want to learn about the foundations of cybersecurity. This introduction to Cybersecurity has five modules, and each module offers content aligned to one of the competencies being developed. Using direct instruction via instructor-made videos, guided practice activities, supplementary materials (such as readings and website material), and assessments to check your understanding, ensures a comprehensive learning experience that caters to various learning styles for program participants. This introduction to Cybersecurity offers a learning experience based on current educational research and classroom best practices.
Participants will receive:
There are three enrollment sessions for program participants to choose from:
Duration: 5 hours
Modality: asynchronous, accessed online.
This course provides you with the knowledge and tools necessary to research, identify, minimize, mitigate, or eliminate threats faced in today's modern connected world. Additionally, it introduces you to fundamental networking and security concepts like – Foundations of Cybersecurity, cryptography, operating systems, security models, network hardening, and administrative security.
Participants will receive:
There are three 8-week sessions for program participants to choose from:
- August 1st - October 1st
- September 1st - November 1st
- October 1st - December 1st
Duration: 45 hours + Assignments
Modality: asynchronous, accessed online
In partnership with Maxx Potential, we offer program participants the chance to gain practical work experience through Maxx Potential's Internship Simulator.
What is the Internship Simulator?
This simulated work environment is built upon real-world scenarios gleaned from challenges facing today’s information technology professionals in Fortune 500 companies. The simulator provides a safe environment for participants to learn through experience and challenge, and by nature is better than employer-based internships. Sessions are held synchronously with interns working together on teams in real-time and reporting progress to their manager and director. The real-world scenarios in the Internship Simulator are consistent and relevant, engaging teams with tasks and challenges that exceed the risk tolerance of most workplace environments.
Participants will:
How does it work?
Each session accommodates 15-20 participants. Leveraging your field of interest within the IT industry, you'll engage in virtual simulations of real-world experiences, facilitated by seasoned professionals. Successful program completion opens doors for graduates to apply for Maxx Potential's comprehensive Apprenticeship Program.
Program Participants will receive:
All sessions will be executed in a live virtual setting. Participants will be responsible for logging into work at their assigned times from a computer (not a phone) with sufficient and reliable bandwidth to support video conferencing.
Weekly Schedule:
There are three enrollment sessions for program participants to choose from:
Duration: 160 hours, 10 hours a week
Modality: synchronous, accessed online
