FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Weds., Nov. 2, 2022
Contact: Holly Shrewsbury
pr@activatework.org
720.320.0097
ActivateWork Receives $1.1M Federal Grant to Support Colorado’s Cybersecurity Workforce Development
DENVER, COLO. — Weds., Nov. 2, 2022 — ActivateWork, a nonprofit leader in connecting employers to a diverse pool of exceptional talent, today announced that they were awarded a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to launch a tuition-free 15-week cybersecurity training program that will serve a diverse group of learners in the Denver metro area. The program is expected to reach more than 150 people and fill at least 100 tech jobs.
“We know that the Denver metro area has a significant talent gap in cybersecurity, and this funding will help ActivateWork fill employers’ staffing needs and create opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds who are underrepresented in the current workforce,” said Helen Young Hayes, founder and CEO of ActivateWork. “Our cybersecurity bootcamp will help participants gain essential skills for professional careers and economic mobility. At the same time, it will strengthen Colorado’s labor market by creating a well-trained talent pipeline.”
ActivateWork will recruit, screen, train and match participants into cybersecurity employment, and provide 12 months of advancement coaching. The grant exemplifies ActivateWork’s commitment to connecting companies to their community’s diverse workforce, as well as connecting people to life-changing careers.
“President Biden is committed to supporting communities as they seek to create new opportunities to spur business growth and create jobs,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “These EDA investments will provide the resources Coloradans need to spur growth in the critical high-technology and cybersecurity sectors.”
The grant is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration’s commitment to investing $3.1 million in Colorado to support the growth of high-tech business and cybersecurity workforce development. The EDA grant will be matched with $279,254 in local funds.
“This new investment will help save people money and get Coloradans into good paying jobs. Colorado’s thriving Latino community is a key to our economic success and a driving force behind our state’s strong workforce and critical industries. We thank the Biden administration and Secretary Raimondo for these important grant funds that will help make our professional services workforce even stronger,” said Governor Jared Polis.
About ActivateWork
ActivateWork is a nonprofit recruiting, training and coaching firm that connects employers to a diverse pool of exceptional talent. Traditional hiring processes leave valuable talent out. They help employers solve talent gaps by finding promising candidates in underrepresented communities and preparing them to excel in new careers. For more information, visit www.activatework.org.
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