An additional cybersecurity training program has been organized at Glenville State University. Here, students in a previous course participate in the Cybersecurity and Safety Workforce Development Initiative. (Photo Provided)

GLENVILLE – An additional free cybersecurity training program has been scheduled at Glenville State University.

In collaboration with the Appalachian Regional Commission through a Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization grant for Glenville State’s Cybersecurity and Safety Workforce Development Initiative. The Initiative aims to create a more vibrant economic future for West Virginia’s coal-impacted North Central region.

The grant with ARC allows for the development of free boot camps and will provide each participant with all the training materials, study guides and exams at no cost, said Peggy Runyon, Glenville State’s Project Director for the Initiative. Counties in North Central West Virginia defined as distressed or at-risk have an opportunity to receive training and eventual certification in cybersecurity-related fields, she said.

“We are making strong efforts to bring the training to the people in these counties,” Runyon said. “This training would cost several thousand dollars if you were paying for it out of pocket, so I sincerely encourage individuals to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity.”

Distressed and at-risk counties in Central and North Central West Virginia include Barbour, Braxton, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, Nicholas, Ritchie, Roane, Upshur, Webster and Wirt. Other West Virginia counties will be considered as well.

The classes, which are open to anyone, do not require prior coding or cybersecurity training and will take place over the course of three to five days. Day, night, and weekend classes will be offered to accommodate a variety of schedules. Successful completion of the training will lead to certifications and national industry-recognized credentials for high paying and in-demand jobs. Glenville State University will also be working with grant participants to secure internships and seek employment in the cybersecurity fields.

A certified instructor will guide and train interested individuals to receive industry-recognized certification in a cybersecurity-related field. Current, ongoing base level certifications include CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+, with higher-level cybersecurity certifications planned in the future to include Cisco network and certified network defender (CND) trainings.

A CompTIA A+ course is set and applications are being taken. The course will be held in the Heflin Administration Building third floor computer lab 5-9 p.m. Feb. 24, 9-5 p.m. Feb. 25 and 9-5 p.m. Feb. 26.

Annaliza Marks will instruct the course.

For more information about the courses or to be added to the waitlist, contact Runyon at Peggy.Runyon@glenville.edu or by calling (304) 462-6383. Register for upcoming courses at https://workforce.glenville.edu/.

A total of $1,402,408 in local and federal funding is being provided for the project, 80% of which, $1,120,995, comes from the Appalachian Regional Commission while 20%, $281,413, comes from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and Glenville State University.