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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 30, 2023

For More Information:
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Public Relations & Marketing
(304) 462-4115

GLENVILLE, WV – ����ֱ�� is planning a free cybersecurity training through a joint effort with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in the form of a Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) grant for ����ֱ�� State’s Cybersecurity and Safety Workforce Development Initiative. The Initiative aims to create a more vibrant economic future for West Virginia’s coal-impacted North Central region. Job demand for employees with cybersecurity skills, in West Virginia and the United States, has seen a swift climb in recent years and the trend is projected to continue.

Currently, a class for CompTIA Network+ is scheduled at ����ֱ�� and will take place Saturday, June 24, Sunday, June 25, and Saturday, July 1. The free course is for those who want to design and implement functional networks; configure and manage essential network devices; create resilient networks; and implement network security, standards, and protocols. No prerequisites are required. The course will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day. Seating is limited. 

“Our POWER grant with ARC allows for the development of free boot camps, and will provide each participant with all the training materials, study guides, and exams at no cost. Counties in North Central West Virginia that are defined as ‘distressed or ‘at-risk’ have a unique opportunity to receive training and eventual certification in cybersecurity-related fields. We are making strong efforts to bring the training to the people in these counties,” said Peggy Runyon, ����ֱ�� State’s Project Director for the Initiative. “This training would cost several thousand dollars if you were paying for it out of pocket, so I sincerely encourage individuals to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity.”

West Virginia counties defined as ‘distressed’ or ‘at-risk’ include Barbour, Braxton, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Fayette, Gilmer, Grant, Greenbrier, Harrison, Lewis, Mercer, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Ritchie, Roane, Summers, Tucker, Upshur, Webster, and Wirt. Other WV counties will be considered as well.

To sign up for the course or for more information, contact Peggy.Runyon@glenville.edu or call (304) 462-6383.

This project was developed collaboratively with many diverse stakeholders and made possible by the Appalachian Regional Commission’s POWER Initiative Grant; .

A total of $1,402,408 in local and federal funding is being provided for the project, 80% of which, ($1,120,995) comes from the Appalachian Regional Commission while 20% ($281,413) comes from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and ����ֱ��.