Bridging the gap between institutional education and the cybersecurity industry. Cyber Defenders provides experiential, industry-partnered programs designed to provide students with a gateway into cybersecurity careers. What is the problem? Cyber attacks are costing companies millions a year. Because of these constantly looming threats, companies cannot afford to be understaffed; the need for specialized talent is increasing in the cybersecurity industry. However, an alarming lack of secondary education options to prepare students for entry-level cybersecurity jobs means that many students are not aware of the variety of careers available in cybersecurity. The Solution The Cyber Defenders mission is to help close the cybersecurity workforce gap by training professionals seeking new opportunities in cybersecurity and related fields. The Cyber Defenders program finds untapped potential, provides them with job-ready security skills without the burden of years of debt, and helps and encourages them to lift their local communities.