Choosing a pathway to a promising career in cybersecurity.
Metro State University
Metro State University’s Cyber4Heroes program delivers intensive, online cybersecurity training designed to prepare participants for high-demand roles within the Department of Defense Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF). Through two specialized pathways — Software/Cloud Architect and Security Architect — participants gain up to seven industry-recognized certifications and become eligible for 18 mission-critical DCWF roles. The program builds expertise across IT, cybersecurity, cloud operations, cyber defense, vulnerability assessment, and enterprise security leadership. Training is delivered in an asynchronous online format, allowing participants to balance learning with personal and professional commitments. Participants receive mentorship, free exam vouchers, career skills workshops, and job placement assistance, ensuring they are workforce-ready at graduation. Offered at no cost to selected military personnel, transitioning first responders, and veterans, Cyber4Heroes develops a well-rounded and highly skilled cyber workforce ready to operate, defend, and lead across the DoD cyber enterprise.
This pathway builds foundational through advanced capabilities in IT, cybersecurity, and cloud operations, producing a workforce capable of stepping into high-demand roles across the DoD cyber enterprise. Participants emerge ready to fill five mission-critical DCWF positions: 441 – Network Operations Specialist, 451 – System Administrator, 521 – Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support Specialist, and 651 – Enterprise Architect. This pathway directly addresses DoDM 8140 requirements by creating versatile, multi-role professionals who strengthen network, system, and cloud operations across the 400, 500, and 600 DCWF job families.
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Must be a veteran, transitioning service member, first responder, military spouse, or government personnel.
Must have at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. (School transcripts of the highest level education completed are required.)
Applicants are encouraged to have some prior technical background, either through work experience, education, or self-study. Completion of an entry-level certification such as CompTIA A+ is preferred, and applicants who provide documentation of completion will be given priority consideration, as this demonstrates readiness for the training program.
Spring 2025
Start Date: January 20, 2026 • End Date: July 5, 2026
Application deadline: December 14, 2025
The National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program, CyberSkills2Work, is led by the University of West Florida and funded by the DoW CIO Cyber Academic Engagement Office and the NSA National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Program.