A $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will help Lehman College develop the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. The School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) in collaboration with the School of Natural and Social Sciences will create an internship program that pairs students with small businesses to better protect companies against cyber threats.

“This grant is a win-win for our students and small businesses in The Bronx,” said SCPS Dean, Jane MacKillop. “We’re excited to prepare students for careers in cybersecurity while providing small businesses from our Tech Incubator and the Small Business Development Center the support needed to safeguard against the risks in today’s digital landscape.”

The program builds on the School’s Small Business Internship Program, connecting students with businesses in the Bronx and providing them the skills necessary to start their own business or explore future opportunities in small business.

“I am excited to work with the first cohort of Lehman students to develop their understanding of cybersecurity principles. Using a combination of in class lectures, labs, and case studies students will build their cybersecurity awareness,” said Computer Science Lecturer Geoffrey Kelly, who will teach the cybersecurity class.

A total of 35 students will participate in the program, which is set to start in summer 2025. No prior knowledge of cybersecurity or computer technology is required to take the course and a cybersecurity internship with an area business will be offered to selected students who complete the course. 

Kelly added, “The Internship will focus on increasing cybersecurity awareness in local Bronx businesses and completing projects that help those businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses.”