The CHIPS & Science Act of 2022 emphasizes strengthening the U.S. cybersecurity workforce through increased investment in STEM education, workforce diversity, and collaboration between government and private sectors. It includes expanded support for education programs, scholarships, and training opportunities, especially in emerging fields like quantum computing and artificial intelligence. The Act also focuses on addressing barriers that prevent underrepresented groups—such as women, minorities, and rural communities—from entering and staying in the cybersecurity field.
A key part of the Act is the creation of a Cybersecurity Workforce Data Initiative, led by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in partnership with NIST and NICE. This initiative aims to collect and analyze data on the cybersecurity workforce to better understand its needs and challenges. The Act also promotes collaboration through public-private partnerships and interagency working groups to streamline efforts and improve data sharing. These steps are intended to build a more resilient and diverse cybersecurity workforce to meet future demands.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/itl/applied-cybersecurity/nice/nice-enewsletter-fall-2022-government-spotlight
Keywords: quantum computing, cybersecurity workforce, STEM education