BOSTON, Mass. - Today, at the 2024 Massachusetts Cybersecurity Forum, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech) announced the Alternative Cyber Career Education (ACE) Grant Program, a new initiative through MassTech’s MassCyberCenter to support cybersecurity training programs and expand job opportunities in the cyber sector.
“Building a stronger cybersecurity workforce is important to safeguard our communities and maintain our competitive economy,” said Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao, who chairs the MassTech Board of Directors. “Through ACE, we’re expanding opportunities for students and professionals by supporting organizations that provide important training, helping them gain the skills needed for rewarding careers in cybersecurity.”
“Cybersecurity, as a field, offers diverse career pathways for both technical and non-technical individuals,” said MassCyberCenter Director John Petrozzelli. “The ACE program will empower organizations with the resources they need to improve cybersecurity training and attract more cyber professionals.”
Eligible applicants include:
- Nonprofit training entities
- For-profit training entities
- MassHire Workforce Boards and/or Career Centers
- Municipality or state government agencies operating a workforce training program
- Other workforce development organizations
- High schools and vocational high schools
Massachusetts organizations with existing cybersecurity training programs are encouraged to apply. Existing training programs must contain experiential and/or on-the-job training components required for cybersecurity employment. Examples may include training on industry tools or performing projects that support an organization with cybersecurity services, such as assessments, incident response plans, policy and procedure development, and tabletop exercises.
An informational webinar will be held on November 6 at 12 p.m. Visit masscybercenter.org for registration. Questions regarding this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) must be submitted by email to proposals@masstech.org with the subject line: “Questions – NOFO No. 2025-Cyber-02.” All questions must be received by 5:00 p.m. ET on November 13.
Applications are due December 31 at 3:00 p.m. ET. For more information visit the NOFO website.
About the MassCyberCenter
The MassCyberCenter promotes the Massachusetts cybersecurity ecosystem by working to build a strong cyber talent pipeline and to strengthen the defense of local communities. The MassCyberCenter works with cities, towns, universities and the private sector to build cyber awareness, institute best practices, grow future workforce talent, and create a more powerful cyber defense force to guard against future threats. Learn more at https://masscybercenter.org/.
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