TekStream recently announced its continued commitment to addressing the cybersecurity talent crisis by sponsoring the NASCIO 2025 Midyear Conference’s community outreach program. This initiative supports the mission of non-profit organization Level Up Philly, which aims to close the digital divide in Philadelphia through investments in community technology skills. TekStream CEO Rob Jansen highlighted that 25% of the sponsorship fee would go to this year's beneficiary, emphasizing the alignment between Level Up Philly’s efforts to provide STEM education to underserved communities and TekStream’s “Whole-of-State” approach to cultivating the next generation of cybersecurity engineers. TekStream’s “Whole-of-State” framework, launched in 2023, is a public-private partnership that combines workforce development with a flexible cost-deferred investment model. Initially piloted with Louisiana State University (LSU), Splunk, and AWS, this innovative approach helps public sector entities take long-term control of their cybersecurity projects. CISOs and CIOs can use the framework to upskill employees or community members, or employ students to co-manage shared Security Operations Centers (SOCs). Participants receive hands-on training alongside TekStream staff to detect, respond to, and recover from potential cyber attacks. At LSU, the framework has been successful since 2023, with students graduating from SOC internships equipped with mid-level cybersecurity engineer skills. The inclusion of detailed activity and event completion dashboards accelerates their career paths in a landscape where AI advancements reduce entry-level cybersecurity roles. Judd Robins, TekStream’s Executive Vice President, stressed the importance of addressing the talent gap first for effective asset protection in an era of increasing cyber threats. The framework has been recognized with three Cybersecurity Excellence Awards and is featured in Gartner’s 2025 Market Guide for Co-Managed Security Monitoring Services. Industry experts praise TekStream’s “Whole-of-State” framework for its unique public-private collaboration and efficient workforce development strategy. This approach not only tackles the talent shortage but also provides sustainable cybersecurity solutions for the public sector. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, TekStream has delivered success on hundreds of projects with a client retention rate of 98%. More details about this pioneering model are available on their website at www.tekstream.com/whole-of-state. AttackIQ, a leading provider of Adversary Emulation Validation (AEV) solutions, unveiled a new feature called Academy Enterprise. This tool provides security teams with quantifiable training impact assessments, enabling leaders to better understand and measure the skills and readiness of their team members beyond theoretical learning. The feature includes interactive dashboards and detailed reports, helping managers identify strengths and weaknesses to make informed training decisions. Keith Wilson, AttackIQ’s Director of Cybersecurity Education, emphasized the need for practical training in cybersecurity. He noted that leadership must know what skills have been acquired and where gaps exist. Academy Enterprise fills these gaps by focusing training where it is most needed, thereby building stronger cyber defenses. Currently, over 70,000 students from 192 countries and regions are registered in AttackIQ Academy, making it a crucial resource for skill enhancement. Carl Wright, Chief Commercial Officer, indicated that the new feature allows cybersecurity leaders to manage, understand, and measure employee learning efforts more effectively. Courses range from foundational to advanced cybersecurity knowledge, taught by top industry experts, covering topics such as MITRE ATT&CK framework operations, NIST 800-53 risk and threat management integration, purple team testing, and breach and attack simulations. Jon Baker, Director of the MITRE Center for Threat-Informed Defense, agreed that the publication of free resources is just the beginning. The center relies on partners like AttackIQ to implement its research widely. AttackIQ Academy leverages these resources to offer practical, accessible training to thousands of users, significantly impacting global cybersecurity efforts. AttackIQ is also committed to supporting its Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) partners through the Flexible Preactive Partner Program, which provides ready-to-use solutions to improve client security. The company has won numerous awards for its training programs, further cementing its role in advancing both individual and organizational cybersecurity capabilities. Visit AttackIQ’s official website to learn more about Academy Enterprise. NWN, AI OWL, Khan Academy, and Intel have joined forces to launch the AI Education Network in Ohio. This initiative aims to strengthen AI education by establishing technology labs in primary, secondary, and higher education institutions, offering hands-on learning opportunities for students. Tracy Johnson, co-founder of AI OWL, stated that the network prepares students not just for their futures but also shapes the future of the entire industry. The project is built on the Ohio AI in Education Coalition, which Governor Jon Husted initiated to develop a comprehensive strategy for AI innovation in the state. Pilot AI labs are already operational at Tipp City Schools, a K-12 district with approximately 2,400 students, and Hocking College, a public community college in Nelsonville. In these labs, students participate in advanced AI courses through Intel’s Digital Readiness Program, tailored by AI OWL to each institution’s needs. Khan Academy’s Khanmigo AI personal tutoring system is also integrated, providing one-on-one support for students and teachers. NWN ensures the labs’ functionality by supplying a complete suite of AI solutions, including Intel-based AI computers, cybersecurity tools, smart networking, and cloud services. By 2028, the AI Education Network plans to expand across Ohio, setting new standards for technology-driven education. AI OWL will continue to hire graduates as developers, fostering a cycle of mentorship and support within the state's educational institutions. Jim Sullivan, President and CEO of NWN, highlighted the project’s alignment with Ohio’s innovative policies and the collaborative efforts of industry leaders. This initiative significantly enhances the application of AI technology in education, preparing students for the tech-driven future. NWN, a North American leader in AI technology solutions with over 30 years of experience, has supported 5,000+ CIOs in modernizing their technology projects. The company’s high-performance team of 1,000+ experts focuses on client-oriented solutions, achieving a customer Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 75 and an employee NPS of 86. Their strong track record and commitment to future education are evident in multiple industry awards and best workplace recognitions. For more information, visit NWN.ai. Industry insiders commend the AI Education Network for bridging the gap between potential and practical application, fostering a new generation of AI-savvy professionals. The collaborative effort among NWN, AI OWL, Khan Academy, and Intel demonstrates a shared vision and dedication to shaping a technologically advanced future.