In fall 2022, WMCAT launched a new Cybersecurity + GRC pathway as part of our tuition-free Adult Career Training Program, to provide Kent County adults experiencing under- and unemployment the opportunity for thriving-wage careers in the digital economy.
After receiving a record-setting number of applicants for the inaugural cohort, 12 future tech professionals were selected to begin classes in December 2022. The group is now more than halfway through their learning journey at WMCAT.
The 2022-23 Adult Career Training Cybersecurity + GRC cohort.
In addition to their technical learning with WMCAT partner GRCIE (GRC for Intelligent Ecosystems), students have been building their knowledge and their networks thanks to local professionals from companies that are supporting the Cybersecurity + GRC pathway as community and employer partners: Acrisure, Consumers Energy, Corewell Health, Amway, Farmers Insurance, and Varnum LLP.
Connecting Classroom + Career
Scott Dresen, Corewell Health Senior Vice President & CISO, shares with WMCAT students about cybersecurity in healthcare.
While three-quarters of students’ learning takes place in the virtual reality environment, one day a week is spent on-site at WMCAT with opportunities to build community with each other and engage with community professionals.
Industry leaders from our community partners have joined our students in the classroom to present, connect, and have discussions on topics like cybersecurity in healthcare, identity and access management, personal journeys to cybersecurity, vulnerability management, being a woman working in tech, ransomware, and more.
Mix + Mingle
WMCAT student and local professionals connect at Mix + Mingle.
At WMCAT, we believe social capital is a vital part of the journey to economic security.
Mix + Mingle brings together our students, community leaders, partners, and business professionals in one space, laying a foundation for relationships and networks to form and grow.
Preparing for Next Steps
Who better to prepare students for interviews than those who may want to hire them? As students anticipate graduation at the end of June, cybersecurity professionals from community partner companies are helping them get ready to enter the job market through resume reviews and practice interviews.
WMCAT is committed to connecting people to new educational and career pathways, diversifying the tech talent pipeline, and supporting inclusive growth in the region to ensure all families can thrive in the digital economy. We look forward to celebrating the inaugural Cybersecurity + GRC class at their graduation this summer!
