WVSU’s Cybersecurity Leap: Empowering Black Students in Cybersecurity
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these jobs are not only in high demand but also offer substantial earnings, with Information security analysts potentially making over $100,000 a year.
By Aiden Satterfield, Cybersecurity Student at Walsh University and native West Virginian
As a young Black man pursuing a cybersecurity degree, I was inspired by my older brother Myles, a manager for a group of expert cybersecurity security operations center analysts for a cybersecurity firm called Expel, and a Marshall University graduate. I understand the importance of bringing cybersecurity awareness to youth, especially in Black communities. This passion has led me to become a columnist for BBG Tech, aiming to enlighten and encourage young West Virginians to venture into this promising field.
Cybersecurity Ventures anticipates a significant industry demand, projecting about 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by 2025. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these roles are not only in high demand but also offer substantial earnings, with Information security analysts potentially making over $100,000 a year. Yet, a substantial skills gap persists, especially affecting minorities and immigrants.
The Aspen Digital Tech Policy report unveils a critical disparity: only 9% of cybersecurity experts are Black. Factors contributing to this gap include limited educational access, high certification costs, a lack of mentorship, and systemic racism, leading to lower pay and fewer advancement opportunities for minorities.
Addressing this gap requires multifaceted initiatives – scholarships, diverse workforce encouragement, positive media representation, and advocating for inclusive policies. These efforts can gradually reshape the cybersecurity landscape.
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A beacon of hope in this endeavor is West Virginia State University’s (WVSU) Cybersecurity Innovation Center (CIC). This groundbreaking initiative, fostered through a collaboration with Marshall University and supported by significant grants, is poised to equip Black students with advanced cybersecurity skills. The CIC represents an educational milestone for WVSU and a historic advancement for the entire state, focusing on defending critical infrastructure and addressing real-world cybersecurity challenges.
WVSU’s plans to extend its impact through community outreach, including establishing a Cyber Defender Camp for youth, resonate deeply with me. Having attended a similar camp at Marshall University, I recognize the value of such programs in inspiring students from diverse backgrounds, like those in the Kanawha Valley.
The launch of the Cybersecurity Innovation Center at WVSU marks a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and diverse cybersecurity workforce. As a writer and editor for the BBG Tech newsletter, I invite readers to engage with us – and share your questions, ideas, and opportunities. This newsletter is a crucial platform for enhancing minority representation in the media, highlighting successful professionals of color in tech, and changing perceptions through authentic storytelling.
I am committed to inspiring, informing, and engaging our readers, fostering an environment where diversity is welcomed and celebrated as a driver of innovation and success in cybersecurity.
Contact me at Aiden@blackbygod.org for further discussions, insights, or contributions to this crucial mission.
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