Gallatin College MSU grant to boost cybersecurity education in Montana

BOZEMAN, Mont. — Gallatin College Montana State University has received a $50,000 Cybersecurity Pathways grant to enhance cybersecurity education across Montana.

The grant, part of Montana’s Future at Work program, aims to support educators and help high school students earn cybersecurity certifications, the school announced in a release.

Ronda Black, the program director of information technology at Gallatin College MSU, said the grant will help students, teachers and counselors understand the widespread applications of cybersecurity.

“Cybersecurity is not just information technology. It’s not just coding. It’s not just network administration,” Black said. “Cybersecurity is everywhere, and I think this grant is going to help students, teachers and counselors in every area to understand how they can be a part of it.”

The grant supports initiatives such as the 406 CyberSmart Teachers’ Lounge and the upcoming 406 CyberSmart Teens Network, providing resources and collaborative spaces for cybersecurity education.

High school students at Belgrade High School and Bozeman's Petra Academy will benefit by earning cybersecurity certifications for free.

About 25 students will take a dual-enrollment course, with the opportunity to earn a CompTIA Security+ certificate, a credential sought by over 70,000 employers nationwide.