Educational partnership between Purdue Global and Paradigm Cyber Ventures to provide real-world experience for students

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue Global has launched a new educational partnership with Paradigm Cyber Ventures. Interested students can now participate in the Purdue Global Federal Work-Study (FWS) program and create learning content opportunities for high school teachers and students.

With cybersecurity jobs expected to grow by more than 30% over the next decade according to experts, the demand for education in this field is more important than ever.

“We are delighted to partner with Paradigm on this meaningful initiative,” said Monica Botti, an FWS specialist with Purdue Global. “Purdue Global students are gaining vital hands-on experience while making a positive impact on the education of future cybersecurity professionals.”

Purdue Global’s FWS program matches students to experiences tied directly to their programs of study so they can gain relevant work experience while earning a part-time paycheck. Many of the FWS positions offer flexible scheduling and virtual opportunities. This is important because 83% of Purdue Global students are working while they are enrolled, and 53% of students have a child or other dependent.

Shannon Cianelli, director of Purdue Global’s FWS program, said this partnership is important because of the opportunities it provides to the student experience.

“Federal Work-Study is a federally funded initiative that offers employment opportunities for students who demonstrate financial need, helping to cover the indirect costs of attending college,” Cianelli said.

For active students to be considered for the FWS program, they must complete the FWS interest survey to see if they are qualified based on their financial aid package. Once a student qualifies, the FWS team reaches out to discuss possible sites tied to their programs of study. After a viable site is determined, FWS faculty start the hiring process for them to be onboarded as a Purdue Global FWS student.

“Federal Work-Study has been tied to higher graduation and retention rates with its participants because it helps to engage students into relevant real-world experience that works synergistically with their programs of study,” Cianelli said.

Initiatives such as this one, through partnerships between academic institutions like Purdue Global and industry leaders, help address critical educational needs.

High school teachers involved in the project provided feedback, saying this experience not only serves to enrich high school students’ academic journey, but also allows teachers to contribute to the growth of Purdue Global’s FWS students. Teachers said the students help provide fresh perspectives, approaches and energy to teaching cybersecurity, noting their classrooms are accomplishing great things together.

About Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://www.purdueglobal.edu.

About Paradigm Cyber Ventures

Paradigm Cyber Ventures creates, launches and supports high school cybersecurity programs that will help with the shortage of individuals to fill high-need cybersecurity positions. The program was developed by educators, school leaders and industry experts. The curriculum within the program aligns with national cybersecurity standards and results in students earning their CompTIA Security+ certification. Paradigm also connects with industry partners for sponsorship, mentorship and internship opportunities. For more information, visit Paradigm Cyber Ventures.