MISSOULA, Mont. – The University of Montana and Blackfoot Communications have teamed up to launch a new cybersecurity program aimed at strengthening cybersecurity in rural areas of Montana.
The partnership, through the PISCES program, will provide cybersecurity analysis and training to local governments, schools, and utilities. It will also offer students hands-on experience.
Thomas Gallagher, Dean of Missoula College, shared his hopes for the program and its impact on students. “We want our folks that graduate from here to be able to enhance their social and economic mobility. That’s a really important piece of this, developing durable skills,” he said.
Gallagher emphasized the importance of students being good employees with great technical skills.
Gallagher also discussed the potential growth of the program, noting the increasing demand for cybersecurity jobs in the state. “I think there’s a lot of exciting opportunities. And those 14-hour jobs that are open here in the state, they’re all a little different,” he added.
The program will offer a wide range of cybersecurity courses for current and future students at Missoula College. Options include short programs or two to four-year college degrees.
