Mayor Rahm Emanuel today joined leaders from City Tech Collaborative, World Business Chicago, AnitaB.org, ISACA and Bosch to announce a new training pilot for women looking to enter the cybersecurity field.   This training pilot, run jointly by ISACA’s SheLeadTech program and AnitaB.org, aims to close the opportunity gap and provide pathways for retention and advancement in the technology field within the City of Chicago. 

“Now more than ever, there is an urgent need to secure sensitive data and information technology,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “This program will sharpen the skillsets of more women to compete in one of the fastest-growing industries, strengthening our city’s unparalleled workforce and reinforcing Chicago’s standing as global leader for cybersecurity.”

Beginning in March 2019, the pilot will test the impact of a free cybersecurity training on the workforce outcomes for up to 25 women entering the technology field. The pilot will leverage ISACA’s CSX Training Platform over eight weeks of weekend classes along with in-kind resources, expertise and mentorship opportunities from industry partners, such as Bosch, City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), the City of Chicago, Clarity Partners, Columbia College of Chicago, the Grand Victoria Foundation and Microsoft. Students will also be exposed to job skills, mentorship opportunities, and role models to help accelerate their careers.  Following the completion of the cybersecurity training program, these women will be well positioned to pursue additional educational opportunities via CCC and other continuing education partners or enter internships on a path to employment via industry partners.

“This cybersecurity training program helps to ensure that Chicago’s booming tech and innovation economy continues to grow inclusively by opening new career pathways for women in the industry,” said Andrea Zopp, president and CEO of World Business Chicago. “It will make Chicago’s tech workforce more diverse, which is vital to the continued growth of our tech ecosystem and our city.”

This pilot program is another example of the investments the City has made in public technology. Through Connect Chicago and in partnership with the Department of Innovation and Technology, the Chicago Public Library makes over 3,000 public computers available for resident use throughout its 81 branches. Over the last couple of years, the City has invested in refreshing this important community resource. In 2018, we replaced approximately 600 public computers and will replace another 1000 in 2019. In 2019, we will also be improving public wi-fi access at city facilities, including libraries. 

As a result of Connect Chicago, the Chicago Public Library expanded its CyberNavigator program. Trainers are available at more than 60 locations to provide residents with one-on-one digital skills training. Chicago Public Library also provides residents with the ability to take home wireless hotspots, and computers if needed, through its Internet to Go program. 

“Through this pilot program, we can help cultivate a diverse workforce to support the city’s growing tech sector,” Department of Innovation and Technology Commissioner and Chicago CIO Danielle DuMerer said. “This program also builds on the City’s commitment to ensure that all Chicago residents have access to the resources needed to succeed in the 21^st Century workplace.”

This pilot builds on the Mayor’s ongoing commitment to meet the growing need for cybersecurity professionals and strengthen the City’s growing tech sector. City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) launched a technology bootcamp in cybersecurity in 2017 at Wright College, the center of excellence in Information Technology at City Colleges. Since its launch, CCC expanded technology programming with seven bootcamps in cybersecurity and coding across four campuses to provide students with the training they need to effectively bring coding, computer science and problem solving into their classrooms for success in the 21st Century workplace. 

Women interested in participating in the pilot are encouraged to visit: https://community.anitab.org/event/anitab-org-chicago-isaca-cyber-security-training-program/ or email cybersecurity@anitab.org to learn more.

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About City Tech Collaborative (City Tech): City Tech reinvents cities. With partners and people, we remake essential services and infrastructure, from skills to skyscrapers. We then prepare these solutions for other cities, thus increasing the world’s odds of solving big, urban problems. We are currently easing subway congestion during large events; creating a digital map of Chicago’s underground; and launching a digital directory of public health services in Chicago.

About ISACA: Now in its 50^th anniversary year, ISACA^® (isaca.org) is a global association helping individuals and enterprises achieve the positive potential of technology. Today’s world is powered by information and technology, and ISACA equips professionals with the knowledge, credentials, education and community to advance their careers and transform their organizations. ISACA leverages the expertise of its 460,000 engaged professionals—including its 140,000 members—in information and cyber security, governance, assurance, risk and innovation, as well as its enterprise performance subsidiary, CMMI^® Institute, to help advance innovation through technology. ISACA has a presence in more than 188 countries, including more than 220 chapters worldwide and offices in both the United States and China.

About AnitaB.org: At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. We connect, inspire, and guide women in computing, and organizations that view technology innovation as a strategic imperative. Our social enterprise supports women in technical fields, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generation. A full roster of programs help women grow, learn, and develop their highest potential.