Cisco invests fourth tranche of scholarships at Denmark Tech to expand cybersecurity talent pipeline

September 17, 2024

Cisco recently announced a significant investment of $625,000 to support Fusion Cyber’s RMF Cybersecurity certificate program through Denmark Technical College in Denmark, South Carolina. This generous contribution will expand the program’s reach to seventy-one students, including thirty-four who will receive full scholarships thanks to an additional grant from the Task Force Movement’s Mission Edge.

“The investment Cisco continues to make in creating a talent pipeline into the transformative field of cybersecurity for veterans, military spouses, and individuals from diverse backgrounds is groundbreaking. Engaging, educating, and empowering our students so they can make an impact on industry and create generational wealth are at the heart of all we do at Denmark Tech, so this partnership among Fusion Cyber, Cisco, and DTC has been a gamechanger for our cybersecurity program and deserving students,” Willie L. Todd, Jr., Ph.D., President, and CEO, Denmark Technical College.

Initially planned to support twenty-five full scholarships, Cisco’s investment will now provide an even greater number of individuals with the opportunity to pursue careers in cybersecurity. This expansion is crucial to addressing the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals and strengthening the nation’s cyber defenses.

The program is specifically designed to empower veterans, military spouses, and underrepresented groups with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the cybersecurity industry. By providing access to quality education and career opportunities, Cisco, TFM, Denmark Technical College, and Fusion Cyber are working to create a more inclusive and resilient cybersecurity workforce.

“Supporting our veterans and military spouses is a cornerstone of our mission,” said  Chairman Patrick Murphy  at the Task Force Movement. “These scholarships will open doors to exciting and rewarding careers in cybersecurity, empowering these deserving individuals to reach their full potential.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Cisco and the Task Force Movement to expand this vital program,” said Christopher Etesse, CEO at Fusion Cyber. “This investment will make a profound impact on the lives of our students and contribute to a stronger, more secure nation.”

“Cisco is committed to fostering a diverse and skilled cybersecurity workforce,” said Scott McGregor, Social Justice Action Office Director at Cisco. “Investing in the cybersecurity talent pipeline increases our national security, the legacy and sustainability of HBCUs, and the wellbeing of our communities.

About Cisco 

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that securely connects everything to make anything possible. Our purpose is to power an inclusive future for all by helping our customers reimagine their applications, power hybrid work, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals. Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco.
To date, Cisco is the largest corporate donor in HBCU history. Together with the Student Freedom Initiative, this $150 million commitment has helped institutions across the country update and modernize their networks, meet cybersecurity compliance standards, and expand access to quality STEM resources. 
Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco’s trademarks can be found at www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.
  
About Denmark Technical College 
Denmark Technical College is a two-year HBCU in rural Bamberg County, South Carolina. With a mission to engage, educate and empower students, Denmark Tech serves over 1000 students, focusing on technical career training, associate degrees and a four-year college transfer program. Additional information about Denmark Tech can be found at www.denmarktech.edu.   
About Fusion Cyber 
Fusion Cyber is a cybersecurity training and education company that provides a range of services to individuals and organizations. They are solving the talent gap for diversity, veterans and educating Americans and veterans into six-figure generation-changing Cyber jobs. To learn more, visit www.fusioncyber.co.
About Taskforce Movement
Bringing Transitioning Service Members, Veterans, Military Spouses, and industry stakeholders together to improve economic and national security outcomes.
Task Force Movement’s mission is to leverage the private sector, labor unions, veteran organizations, academic and vocational training institutions, and state and federal government partners to create recommendations and quickly operationalize solutions to advance safe and responsible career pathways for the military-connected community (transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses) across the country who are entering the civilian workforce. www.taskforcemovement.org 
Honorable Patrick Murphy serves as Chairman of Task Force that launched at the White House with President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg on April 4, 2022.