In January 2021, Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) became the newest Cisco Networking Academy. As a result of the IVMF’s participation in the CyberVetsUSA consortium and partnership with Cisco, the Institute launched the Academy to provide more opportunities for CyberVetsUSA participants to have access to training opportunities.

What is CyberVetsUSA?

CyberVetsUSA is an industry-led initiative that provides no-cost online training, certification, and employment opportunities to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and Reservists, and military spouses looking to enter the cyber workforce. In 2017, the program piloted as the Virginia Veterans Cyber Training Pilot. As a result of the initial pilot, Cisco and the IVMF lead the CyberVetsUSA consortium to provide pathways to training, certification, and employment opportunities into the Cybersecurity career field. With over 2,100 participants since January 2019 taking advantage of the CybreVetsUSA partner training opportunities, the consortium is providing training to address the over 450,000 job openings in the 1.4 million U.S. Cybersecurity workforce. * The launch of the IVMF Cisco Networking Academy has brought the partnership to the next level and will provide additional training opportunities for our participants.

New O2O Course Offerings

As a Cisco Networking Academy, the IVMF’s Onward to Opportunity (O2O) program has introduced five new training pathways to the O2O program’s existing 30+ training offerings. The new training and certification curriculum includes:

• PCEP: Python Entry Level Programmer
• PCAP: Python Certified Associate Programmer
• NDG: Linux Essentials
• NDG: Linux 1
• NDG: Linux 2

New Self-Paced Courses

Lastly, this partnership was a catalyst to support Cisco’s CyberOps Associate Veteran scholarship training offering as part of the CyberVetsUSA consortium. The following pathway and offering are available for individuals looking at launching a career in the Cyber security field. The courses below are self-paced.

• Introduction to Cybersecurity
• Cybersecurity Essentials
• CyberOps Associate

For interested transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and Reservists, and military spouses looking to take advantage of the new offerings, go to our IVMF Onward to Opportunity application and apply today. These courses are offered at no cost to you. If you are currently enrolled in O2O or a O2O alumni, please contact us after you complete the primary course by writing to IVMFeducation@syr.edu.