New York, NY — To address a critical demand for trained cybersecurity professionals, Civic Hall is proud to announce the launch of LaGuardia Community College’s Cybersecurity Specialist course, which provides hands-on training in cybersecurity fundamentals, systems and network security, vulnerability assessment, and security operations. Designed for individuals with some IT experience, the course also offers scholarships for eligible participants, as well as internships and job placement assistance for qualifying students.

With the rise in cyberattacks across industries, the demand for trained cybersecurity professionals has reached unprecedented levels. In the New York metropolitan area alone, over 1,150 job openings for Information Security Analysts and Cybersecurity Specialists are posted annually. According to Career Coach/Lightcast, starting salaries for these roles range from $60,000 to $85,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning upwards of $200,000 annually.

“As part of The Fedcap Group’s commitment to driving economic and workforce development, this initiative with LaGuardia Community College is a perfect example of how we can create opportunities for individuals to enter high-demand fields. The Cybersecurity Specialist course at the Civic Hall’s—Bernard Goldstein Center will not only prepare participants for rewarding careers but also strengthen New York’s ability to combat cyber threats,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group, the parent organization of Civic Hall.

“With cyber threats on the rise, the need for highly trained professionals is greater than ever. At LaGuardia, we are proud to provide accessible, high-quality training that prepares our students for meaningful careers while meeting the demands of New York’s growing tech industry,” said Kenneth Adams, President of LaGuardia Community College. “We remain committed to working closely with industries and employers to ensure we are addressing workforce demands while providing pathways for diverse communities to enter exciting and well-paying careers.”

The Cybersecurity Specialist course will run from January 14, 2025, to July 22, 2025, with classes held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The course will be led by expert instructor Dustin Fraser, whose hands-on approach ensures students are prepared to tackle real-world challenges.

“This partnership represents Civic Hall’s commitment to empowering individuals with the skills necessary to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving tech workforce,” said Jim Malatras, Managing Director of Civic Hall. “We are thrilled that LaGuardia Community College is bringing their highly regarded cybersecurity program to Civic Hall—The Bernard Goldstein Center, to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, ensuring a safer digital future for businesses and communities alike.”

For more information or to enroll, contact Career and Professional Programs at LaGuardia Community College at aceprofessional@lagcc.cuny.edu or (718) 482-5481.

About Civic Hall

In partnership with the City of New York, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, developer RAL, local elected officials, and community partners, The Fedcap Group opened Civic Hall’s Union Square location in November 2023.

Civic Hall’s Bernard Goldstein Center at Union Square is a collaborative innovation center that brings together civic-minded technologists, social entrepreneurs, government officials, and community leaders to develop technology solutions for the public good. Located in Union Square—the heart of New York City’s burgeoning tech sector, Civic Hall fosters a vibrant ecosystem of knowledge sharing and cooperative action. Civic Hall’s mission is to support and enable best-in-class programs that help close the digital skills divide and plan for the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Civic Hall facilitates groundbreaking partnerships among high-impact organizations, civic and social innovators, workforce training partners, and New York’s employer ecosystem to work collectively to meet the educational and professional needs of all New Yorkers, especially those from communities too often left behind. Civic Hall also serves as a tech incubator and accelerator, support network for profit and nonprofit organizations and start-ups, and place to spur new innovations and ideas. For more information about membership, training, and event opportunities please visit civichall.org. 

About LaGuardia Community College

LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.

Contact:

Josh Vlasto, josh@joshvlasto.com