Reps. Marc Veasey (TX-33), Austin Pfluger (TX-11) Introduce Bipartisan Cybersecurity Clinics Grant Program Act

WASHINGTON - Representatives Veasey (TX-33) and Pfluger (TX-11) recently introduced the Cybersecurity Clinics Grant Program Act. This bill would require the Department of Homeland Security, though the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), to establish a grant program to fund higher education-based cybersecurity clinics at community colleges and minority-serving institutions (MSIs). In addition, the bill requires CISA to develop an experiential cybersecurity curriculum for grant recipients.

Specifically, these clinics will help:

• Develop interactive, personalized workshops to provide education relating to defending against digital threats;
• Offer high-potential paths to bolster the number of experienced cybersecurity professionals by creating a talent pipeline of students with practical experience; and
• Help local organizations, government agencies, small and medium-sized businesses, and other under-represented public interest organizations develop their cybersecurity workforces.

“I am proud to work alongside Representative Pfluger to help grow and diversify the next generation of young Americans in the cybersecurity workforce,” said Representative Veasey (TX-33). “The Cybersecurity Clinics Grant Program Act will help do that by ensuring that institutions of higher education, including community colleges and colleges minority-serving institutions, can have the proper tools they need to educate their students in this growing field.” 

“Developing a robust cyber workforce for the future is critical for our national and economic security. As our world becomes increasingly digital, we will need a workforce that can thrive in this new and ever-changing domain. Angelo State University hosts a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program that was recently recognized as an NSA Program of Study. I am proud to partner with Congressman Veasey on legislation that builds on this great work and fosters a pipeline of talented cybersecurity professionals,” said Representative Pfluger (TX-11). 

This bipartisan legislation will help create the framework for a robust and strategic model that can help the U.S. shore up national security defenses domestically and globally. As the agency with industry leading expertise in cyber policy, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is in a unique position to help create a vigorous curriculum that community colleges and minority-serving institutions can offer to students interested in breaking into the cyber workforce.