BlackShark Academy is solving the Tech and cyber talent crisis within the United States, all while providing opportunities to underserved and minority demographics within the fields. In today’s technology-driven world, our youth are entering a workforce that is moving faster than ever before. IT and cybersecurity are the fastest growing fields with some of the most consistent high pay in any industry, yet there is a problem. Companies want experience and hands-on capability, something that our modern college system fails to provide, causing a massive skills gap. This misguidance effects minorities such as African Americans and Latinos more than any other field. Often coming from lower income backgrounds, college for the sake of a career is a massive debt gamble that more and more are losing. Furthermore, these minorities and women of all ethnicities are underrepresented in cyber and IT in general. BlackShark has set out to solve this multifaceted issue by tapping into the best kept secrets of the IT and cybersecurity field…. certifications. BlackShark is the first non-profit educational institution which is designed to have high schoolers go from sophomore year of high school to entering the technology workforce at graduation WITHOUT the need for a college degree. Furthermore, training takes half the time of a college degree, and cost to the student is reduced by over 80% compared to a college degree. Despite the reduced education time frame and cost, BlackShark Academy has one of the most rigorous and extensive acceptance processes of any education program. Students going through this program are trained on skills and tactics seen at the highest levels of cybersecurity and IT. For this reason, students coming out of BlackShark Academy earn certifications that are recognized worldwide in every professional working environment and at every level of work including government. Our mission, Prepare the future the United States and tech industry…Today.