The initiative to accelerate Mississippi’s cybersecurity workforce pipeline is in partnership with MCITy and Cisco Systems

Holly Springs, MS – Rust College, with the Mississippi Center for Innovation and Technology (MCITy) and Cisco Systems, have launched a new partnership to train Mississippians for jobs in the field of cybersecurity.

This initiative, themed “Securing the Future: Innovate, Defend, Inspire,” addresses Mississippi’s critical cybersecurity shortage, with more than 2,500 unfilled jobs statewide and a national gap of over 500,000, according to workforce tracker Cyberseek.org.

“As the job market continues to grow rapidly in this area, we want to ensure our students at Rust College, and all Mississippians, are equipped to contribute their talents and take advantage of good-paying jobs,” said Dr. Johnny M. Moore, President of Rust College. “By partnering with MCITy and Cisco, we can build a skilled, globally minded workforce to protect critical sectors such as healthcare, finance, and education against evolving cyber threats.”

Aligned with the Rust College Center for Cybersecurity’s mission to advance education, foster ethical innovation, and build strategic partnerships, this program leverages MCITy’s entrepreneurial ecosystem in Vicksburg, Miss., and Cisco’s world-class networking and security technologies.

Equipped with the necessary skills and certifications to meet industry demands, participants in the workforce development program will receive Rust College Cybersecurity Certificates, industry-approved certification, career coaching, statewide recruitment services, and laptops to ensure accessibility. The first cohort began October 1 with a second cohort slated for a February start.

“Technology plays a critical role in educational success, and this partnership will help to cultivate the future generation of cybersecurity leaders across Mississippi,” said Scott McGregor, Director of Community Enablement at Cisco. “Cisco’s corporate purpose is to Power an Inclusive Future for All, and this investment demonstrates how technology can unlock opportunity.”

“This program reflects our mission to connect Mississippians with high-value training and careers in critical fields like cybersecurity,” said Dr. Courtney Taylor, Director, Accelerate MS. “We’re proud to support initiatives that strengthen both individuals and communities.”

“The prolific use of digital technology in our world is increasing the pressure to keep data, applications and devices safe,” said Dr. Jeffery P. Holland, MCITy Director. “Cyber threats are continually evolving, creating an effective shelf life for current security measures. Constant, high-quality cybersecurity training is required in order for society to remain confident in their use of digital products. I believe this team of Rust, Cisco, and MCITy, supported by Cisco and AccelerateMS, is the right team to bring the critical cybersecurity training Mississippi requires.”

The program offers two pathways to meet diverse learner needs:

• 4-Month In-Person Track: Hosted at MCITy in Vicksburg, this intensive track features daily training (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), a competitive monthly stipend, three industry-recognized certifications, hands-on labs, and a 6-week internship with a Mississippi company.
• 6-Month Online Track: Designed for flexibility, this track includes virtual sessions (Tuesday/Thursday, 6:30–8:30 p.m.), mandatory in-person meetings (first Saturday of each month), a travel stipend, and a 6-week internship with a Mississippi company.

Open to all Mississippi residents who are US citizens, the program prioritizes recent high school graduates, individuals seeking to upskill, and veterans. For more information about the program or to apply, visit rustcollege.edu/workforce-development-certificate-program or contact Rust College at (662) 252-8000.

“By combining Rust College’s transformative education, MCITy’s workforce development expertise, and Cisco’s cutting-edge technologies, this program positions Mississippi as a leader in cybersecurity innovation,” said Dr. Denise Ferebee, Director of the Program and Associate Professor of Computer Science at Rust College. “Together, we are building a resilient digital ecosystem that drives progress and uplifts communities.”

The project is sponsored in part by funds provided by AccelerateMS, the South Central Mississippi Program, and Cisco.