MeriTalk: New Bipartisan Bill to Authorize $10 Million for Cyber Education

MeriTalk: New Bipartisan Bill to Authorize $10 Million for Cyber Education

SOURCE: MeriTalk

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, Representatives Jim Langevin, D-R.I., and Glenn Thompson, R-Penn., introduced the Cybersecurity Education Integration Act, a bill that would establish a grant program to develop career and technical education (CTE) classes that include cybersecurity fundamentals.

“Whether in our hospitals or our power grid, vital systems are increasingly being connected to the Internet,” said Langevin. “We need to offer better training for the workers who deal with these systems on a day-to-day basis, particularly in safety critical industries where lives can be put in jeopardy by malicious cyber actors.”

The bill includes $10 million to establish a competitive grant program run by the Department of Education to provide grants up to $500,000 to partnerships of educational institutions and employers that commit to include cybersecurity in career and technical education. Applicants would need to describe which sector of critical infrastructure their program plans to train for, the workforce needs of that sector, the work-based learning opportunities available to program participants, and how the program would lead to a recognized postsecondary credential, among other criteria.

“We must ensure we’re protecting sensitive data and critical infrastructure from bad actors, and this bill is one step in the right direction,” said Thompson. “By enabling our next generation of learners to have the most sophisticated and comprehensive educational programs out there, we will be better prepared to protect our most critical systems and assets.”

The bill also requires the Department of Education to consult with the Department of Homeland Security and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to find the most pressing workforce needs in critical infrastructure.

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce for further consideration.

LPR: Langevin Applauds Passage of Major Career and Technical Education Legislation

LPR: Langevin Applauds Passage of Major Career and Technical Education Legislation

By LPR News

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, issued the following statement after the House agreed to the Senate amendment to H.R. 2353, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which now goes to the President for his signature:

“The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, which funds important CTE programs in Rhode Island and across the country, has long been overdue for an update. After years of work, I’m proud that this bill reflects an inclusive, thoughtful and bipartisan process. I am particularly thankful to my CTE Caucus co-chair, Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, who has been a great leader and partner on CTE issues in Congress.

“The Strengthening CTE for the 21st Century Act will help close the workforce skills gap in in fields such as manufacturing, IT, and other trades. This bill strengthens federal investment in CTE programs and realigns programs with industry needs to ensure students are learning the academic, employability, and technical skills they need to succeed in high-paying, high-growth economic sectors.

“As an original cosponsor of H.R. 2353, I’m pleased that the final bill incorporates several of my policy priorities, including expanding access to apprenticeships to provide students with hands-on learning experiences, and supporting career counselors to guide students down appropriate academic and career paths. Furthermore, by encouraging industry-education collaboration and realigning performance metrics with local labor market needs, the Strengthening CTE for the 21st Century Act advances my goal of preparing students for in-demand careers in Rhode Island and across the nation.”