Empowering High School Students for Careers in Cybersecurity

The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been more urgent. As cyber threats become increasingly advanced, organizations, governments, and individuals are at greater risk of data breaches, ransomware, and cyber espionage. Coupled with a global shortage of qualified cybersecurity experts to address these challenges, it’s clear that nurturing a pipeline of talent with these specialized skills is essential.

Recognizing the necessity of sparking interest in cybersecurity among today’s youth to expand this talent pool, the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) Northern Virginia Regional Node has teamed up with the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation and George Mason University to launch a groundbreaking program. Supported by a CCI NoVa Node grant, the “Building Cyber Readiness in High School Students through Internship Experience and Professional Development” initiative offers high school students practical experience and training in professional skills.

A vital aspect of this program is the collaboration with leading cybersecurity companies. Maximus has acknowledged the importance of this mission and entered into an exclusive partnership to support the effort. As part of the program, Maximus will host at least two high school interns for a five-week period, providing structured, hands-on exposure to real cybersecurity work environments. This experience not only immerses students in the industry but also helps develop critical professional skills that enhance their future job prospects.

Maximus is proud to contribute to this partnership, offering young students a valuable opportunity to jumpstart their careers, gain meaningful industry experience, and build the skills necessary to succeed in the rapidly expanding cybersecurity sector.

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