Craig Newmark, Craigslist Founder Donates $200,000 to HBCU Initiative
In a remarkable act of philanthropy, Craigslist founder Craig Newmark made a significant contribution of $200,000 to an initiative aimed at bolstering cybersecurity programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This generous donation is a testament to Newmark’s commitment to providing greater opportunities in the cybersecurity field for Black students.
On August 28th, Craig Newmark directed his support towards the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), an organization that initiated the “See Yourself In Cyber” HBCU Career Program last year. The program’s inception was made possible through funding from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Dell, and other leading tech firms.
“I am proud to support the National Cybersecurity Alliance in their mission to empower underrepresented students with the tools and opportunities to succeed in the cybersecurity field,” stated Newmark. “This program exemplifies the positive impact that education and mentorship can have on building a diverse and skilled workforce.”
A year ago, the NCA unveiled this groundbreaking program, designed to serve as a bridge between cybersecurity firms and HBCUs such as Prairie View, Southern, St. Philip’s College, and Texas Southern. The initiative was devised to provide students at these institutions with an array of benefits, including networking opportunities, mentoring programs, specialized training, tool implementations, and one-on-one sessions with seasoned cybersecurity experts.
“With over 700,000 unfilled cybersecurity roles, alarmingly, black candidates make up just 9% of this workforce”
One remarkable aspect of this endeavor was the series of in-person events held at HBCUs across the nation. These gatherings facilitated direct interactions between cybersecurity professionals from prominent companies like Trellix, Quanta, and Proofpoint, and students. During these events, students received valuable advice on navigating specific cybersecurity career paths, gained insights into the nature of professional cybersecurity roles, and benefited from guidance provided by recent HBCU graduates who had successfully entered the cybersecurity field.
In April, the NCA took another significant step by announcing a scholarship program aimed at financially assisting cybersecurity students at Bennett, Claflin, Fayetteville State, North Carolina Central, Prairie View, St. Philip’s, Southern, Texas Southern, and Winston Salem State. This initiative is set to further enhance the accessibility of quality education and training for aspiring cybersecurity professionals from underrepresented backgrounds.
Despite the rapid growth of the cybersecurity industry, there remains a substantial gap in the workforce, with over 700,000 unfilled cybersecurity roles. Alarmingly, Black candidates make up just 9% of this workforce. Craig Newmark’s generous donation and the ongoing efforts of organizations like the NCA are crucial steps towards addressing this disparity and fostering a more inclusive and diverse cybersecurity sector. Through education, mentorship, and financial support, these initiatives are empowering the next generation of cybersecurity leaders, ensuring a brighter and more equitable future for all.
