Cyber Ready Workforce Act

The Cyber Ready Workforce Act establishes a grant program to fund workforce intermediaries (like community organizations, schools, or businesses) that create cybersecurity apprenticeships. These programs must include industry certifications (such as CompTIA Security+ or CISSP), stackable credentials, and support services like childcare assistance for apprentices. Grants require 85% of funds to directly support program development, employer partnerships, and apprentice success, while up to 15% can fund outreach to underrepresented groups and employers. The bill targets the cybersecurity field’s 597,000+ job openings by building pathways to careers like cybersecurity technicians and analysts.