The Puerto Rico Cybersecurity and AI Center of Excellence is a primary initiative of Raíces Cyber, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on building a skilled and diverse cybersecurity and AI workforce, particularly within the Hispanic/Latin American community. The project is a comprehensive ecosystem designed to:
Identify and Develop new cyber defenders. Empower current and future cybersecurity leaders. Strengthen the security of communities and critical infrastructure.
Its core work involves providing customized curricula, hands-on training (such as the CyberPros Program), and work-based learning to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry demands for professionals ranging from High School students to corporate executives.
EVIDENCE THAT SHOWS SUCCESS
The success of the initiative can be demonstrated through its high-level partnerships, training outcomes, and impact on economic mobility:
- National Recognition and Partnerships: Raíces Cyber has engaged with key national entities, including being part of conversations at the White House to strategize on increasing LatinX representation in the cybersecurity field. The organization also partners with government and industry leaders like CISA and SentinelOne through events like RaícesCon.
- Sustainability: The organization has received grants, such as $350k from Google, $50k from Amazon, $25k from Fundación Comunitaria de Puerto Rico, $10k Grant from the Liberty Foundation, among others specifically to promote Cybersecurity Education for Youth in Puerto Rico.
Direct Workforce Impact: Programs like CyberPros to Success have successfully helped professionals gain practical, hands-on experience in cybersecurity, contributing directly to a stronger, more prepared workforce.
CONTRIBUTION TO DECISION-MAKING
The Center of Excellence directly contributes to strategic decision-making and continuous improvement by focusing on leadership development:
- Executive Training: Through programs like the CyberMasters Program, the center offers an Executive Track which provides strategic insights and training on critical governance issues, including cloud governance, compliance frameworks, AI governance, and Board-level cybersecurity communication.
- Informed Strategies: By training leaders to understand technical threats and regulatory landscapes, the initiative ensures that organizations can move beyond basic security measures to implement responsible AI governance and integrate security practices into overall business planning, thereby making more effective resource allocation decisions.
USEFULNESS AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS
The program exhibits high usefulness by directly addressing the global cybersecurity talent shortage and lack of diversity, while maximizing cost-effectiveness through its delivery model:
- High Usefulness: The initiative is vital for creating inclusive tech talent pipelines and making cybersecurity careers accessible to individuals from all backgrounds, contributing to their economic mobility. By providing customized, hands-on training, it ensures students are job-ready for in-demand roles.
- High Cost-Effectiveness: The center maximizes its impact by delivering high-value education at a low or no direct cost to the participants. The CyberMasters Program, for example, is offered at no cost to qualified professionals and decision-makers. This is achieved by leveraging corporate sponsorships, philanthropic grants, and a large network of committed volunteers and mentors.
LESSONS LEARNED
Key lessons learned from the project’s implementation and operation center on the requirements for successful, sustainable workforce development in underserved communities:
- Community and Collaboration are Essential: Scaling cybersecurity education and workforce development requires robust Community Collaboration and leveraging volunteer passion to provide mentorship and hands-on guidance.
- The Need for Dual-Track Training: Successful cyber defense requires equipping both technical practitioners (with real-world labs) and executive leaders (with strategic, governance-focused training) to ensure that technical capabilities align with organizational strategy and budget.
- Targeted Outreach Closes the Diversity Gap: Specific, intentional efforts to reach and support the Hispanic/LatinX community are crucial to address the severe underrepresentation of these groups in the cybersecurity field.