News Release: EnterpriseKC Travels the State to Teach JAG-K Students About Jobs in Cybersecurity

EnterpriseKC aims to maximize prosperity in Kansas and has identified Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) as a partner to meet strategic needs and bolster the state’s workforce.

EnterpriseKC is a business-led, systems-driven, “think and do” tank dedicated to accelerating enterprise growth, innovation, and high-value, high-opportunity jobs through business-led, results-oriented strategies and programs in Kansas and Western Missouri.

“We are excited to partner with JAG-K to work to strengthen the local economy by equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in high-value careers, while also addressing workforce shortages in critical industry clusters,” Olivia Armstrong, Talent Experience Manager at EnterpriseKC said. “We want to ensure the region’s talent pipeline remains robust, giving businesses access to the skilled workers they need to compete globally.”

The Kansas-based organization has as one of its goals to elevate awareness of cybersecurity needs and related careers among students in the region. To accomplish this, EnterpriseKC staff have committed to visit JAG-K programs across Kansas to promote careers and training opportunities in cybersecurity. They plan to reach several thousand students from 90 of JAG-K’s programs.

In their classroom visits, EnterpriseKC staff shed light on the unfilled jobs in cybersecurity in Kansas. They share tools and training with students, including the Heartland Cyber Range which provides a real-world cyber-simulation experience. 

The EnterpriseKC staff also discuss various training opportunities, including a scholarship available via a partnership the organization has with Google.

“Our goal is to create excitement around cybersecurity and show students the vast potential in this field,” said Eric Mooney, Talent and Workforce Development Leader at EnterpriseKC. “Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries with over 7,000 open jobs in the region. By connecting with students directly, we can open their eyes to career paths they may have never considered.”

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Students in JAG-K programs across the state have learned about cybersecurity careers through visits by EnterpriseKC staff.

“I think that cybersecurity sounds like a great step for a student to get a good career early on,” said Brandon Lara, a junior at Wyandotte High School. “EnterpriseKC showed us how interesting this career is and even showed us how to get certified before we leave high school.”

In November, EnterpriseKC will host JAG-K students from several Kansas City-area schools for a STEM Career Day event themed “Cracking the Code to Cyber Careers.”

To learn more about EnterpriseKC, contact Olivia Armstrong, Talent Experience Manager, at  oarmstrong@enterprise-kc.com.

Kansas’ 114 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,200 students in 48 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success. Last year, JAG-K had 805 high school graduates.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit  www.jagkansas.org , or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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