VetsinTech Celebrates a Milestone: Over 2,000 Veterans Trained in Cybersecurity

VetsinTech Reaches Significant Cybersecurity Milestone

VetsinTech, a premier non-profit organization committed to assisting veterans in launching tech careers, recently announced a remarkable milestone on Veterans Day. The organization has successfully trained over 2,000 veterans and their spouses in cybersecurity, thanks to generous support from Craig Newmark Philanthropies. This initiative not only strengthens the nation's digital security infrastructure but also opens up meaningful employment opportunities for veterans entering the tech field.

The Role of Craig Newmark in Cybersecurity Training

Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist and co-founder of VetsinTech, is a strong advocate for enhancing the cybersecurity workforce through philanthropic efforts. He has continually stressed the necessity of developing skilled personnel equipped to handle the growing demands of cybersecurity. Newmark mentioned, "Veterans exhibit the discipline and resilience vital for maintaining our cyber defenses. I'm pleased to facilitate their integration into rewarding tech careers."

In 2021, the Craig Newmark Cybersecurity Institute for Veterans was established as a key component of the VetsinTech Academy. Since its inception, the Institute has played a crucial role in delivering specialized training tailored for the unique needs of veterans transitioning into tech. In just 2023, VetsinTech conducted training sessions for 14 different cohorts, successfully preparing 509 veterans and military spouses for diverse roles in cybersecurity. Participants earn certifications in critical areas such as Security+, AWS Cloud Practitioner, and Palo Alto Networks technologies, equipping them with invaluable industry-standard skills.

Empowering Veterans Through Unique Skills

Katherine Webster, the founder and CEO of VetsinTech, remarked on the significance of surpassing the 2,000-trained veteran mark. She stated, "This achievement reflects our unwavering dedication to providing veterans with the skills they need in an urgent cybersecurity landscape. With support from Craig Newmark Philanthropies since 2018, our commitment to addressing workforce shortages while helping veterans forge meaningful careers is stronger than ever."

The qualities veterans bring to cybersecurity roles are particularly noteworthy. Their military training instills a sense of discipline, fosters problem-solving abilities under pressure, and builds a fierce commitment to mission security. These attributes are essential for meeting the intense demands of cybersecurity tasks. Veterans contribute not only to a more robust digital ecosystem but also introduce diverse perspectives that enhance adaptability within the tech workforce.

This commendable announcement coincides with VetsinTech's Gala, marking the organization's tenth anniversary, where industry leaders from tech, government, and the veteran community convened to celebrate a decade of impact and achievements. This event, aligned with Veterans Day, reinforced the ongoing commitment of VetsinTech to champion veterans in technology roles.

Continuing the Journey

VetsinTech is dedicated to generating tech-driven career opportunities for veterans and military families. By providing specialized training on leading technologies, invaluable career mentorship, and guidance from industry professionals, the organization continues to make significant strides in empowering this unique demographic.

About VetsinTech

Based in San Francisco, VetsinTech boasts a robust network of over 90,000 members and 20 chapters nationwide. It stands as the foremost national non-profit organization fully dedicated to transitioning veterans into tech careers through comprehensive education, employment, and entrepreneurial initiatives.

For more information about their programs, visit VetsinTech.

About Craig Newmark Philanthropies

Craig Newmark, a pioneering figure in the web industry with the inception of Craigslist, is devoted to philanthropic efforts centered around cybersecurity, veteran support, and civic initiatives. Having contributed over $300 million to various causes, his work has been foundational in advancing education and safeguarding community values. Inspired by significant moral lessons from his past, Newmark strives to create positive societal impacts through his generous initiatives.