[NFBK] FW: Apex Program - February Newsletter

Thu Feb 22 14:47:48 UTC 2024

Good Morning:

FYI!

Todd

From: Novacoast Apex Program Team <apexprogram at novacoast.com> 
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 2:17 PM
To: todde.stephens at windstream.net
Subject: Apex Program - February Newsletter

 <https://reach.novacoast.com/e3t/Ctc/LR+113/c1N0l04/VWt4Lb53ZvR6W14jb533LcP4SW5VG-2S59PplYN8yKgCq3lYMRW69sMD-6lZ3p-Vl0z6w2_xWQVW7wQz7Q11_Rk3VhWM2N2R1m1YW612ZvB2tPhYWVd7DQH7s1BnZW1f86RP7_7zx4W87lTFG9kc171W5zrk_-5lvqthW4pHTx23-CTJJW96pqHC8yJ8mCW1klB5N4rDCM8W4N6k9K7GZ-SZV9C7QT2CwJ2wW82lxyW5L1Tp9N84jK7TFCWcCW8YSF8n6s3RCcW5YdqmQ5JvXYpW6PxFyR2fdMhcV9h95W7W15zjW7c-9vT7KGFwzf3sg6Nl04> 

February Newsletter

Program + Curriculum Updates | Success Stories + More

  <https://reach.novacoast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/accent-newsletter%20(1).png?width=1196&upscale=true&name=accent-newsletter%20(1).png> 

What's the Latest?

*	Our next class commences on Monday, March 4th—Don't forget to sign up!
*	Apex has been in operation since mid-2023.

*	18 Students Currently in Training: Our program is currently nurturing the skills of 18 students, each at various stages of the training process. The 10-week course, commencing on the 1st Monday of each month, serves as a foundation for their cybersecurity education. 

*	3 Completed: Three students have successfully completed our program, and we're thrilled to share that two of them are now gainfully employed in the cybersecurity industry. This success underscores the effectiveness of our training in bridging gaps and creating opportunities. 

*	Apex Curriculum Update: To stay current with industry standards, our curriculum is undergoing updates to include the latest Security+ exam content. This ensures that our students receive the most relevant and up-to-date education. 

*	Full Transcription Completed: Accessibility is a core tenet of our program. To further this commitment, we've recently completed a full transcription of the program, making it more accessible to all. 

Now, the course can be consumed in 4 distinct methods: 

*	Microsoft PowerPoint with auto advance, no screen reader needed 
*	PowerPoint without auto advance, ideal for screen readers 
*	Standalone audio for each lecture 
*	Standalone text for each lecture 

Our First Success Story!

Check out our recent documentary produced alongside WorkingNation, "Empowering The Visually Impaired In Cybersecurity".

This documentary showcases the remarkable journeys of our first Apex Program graduate, Curtis Jackson, and Apex Program Director, David Mayne, overcoming visual impairments and adversity to build careers in cybersecurity.

 <https://reach.novacoast.com/e3t/Ctc/LR+113/c1N0l04/VWt4Lb53ZvR6W14jb533LcP4SW5VG-2S59PplYN8yKgD03lYMRW7lCdLW6lZ3pYVbvFy718Mq1pW84YJFd7C7dR8W2_RvLB40Cw_TW6XGFD-50SJVlW5DBRTL68dsB1W4fW8pY5HBYspW19HM_j9hbSRMW3mm13b8dHzPZW8tb0Jd6S-_5HW6w5JXM7wNy2wW3vbY7m2FLL4xW26cFm_4tNL_cN8bC8WcvJWSsVnMp902Vhbc1W1PZmvr59dGk5W3FHgWQ52YQs_W43B1-v6L34Y4W7J7RC21kdg5CW8FbZ4c137DtkW7sJMdf7ns2CgVs_0q83w9VbRMS8VGbw6D1mW6hmHjd8nrnTnN1PDWY2LBQ9Kf2pw2SF04> View the Documentary Here

Where is the Apex Program?

  <https://reach.novacoast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Apex%20Map.png?width=514&height=294&upscale=true&name=Apex%20Map.png> 

At the Apex Program, we believe in the power of strategic partnerships to amplify our mission of inclusivity in the cybersecurity industry. Through both non-profit and government collaborations, we join forces with like-minded organizations dedicated to creating opportunities for underrepresented communities and expanding our reach. 

We have expanded our program and state partnerships to include the following: 

Approved State Partnerships
State of Alabama
State of Colorado 
State of Indiana  
State of Kansas  
State of Kansas Workforce   
State of Kentucky 
State of Michigan 
State of Pennsylvania
State of Washington

Nonprofit Partnerships 
Envision  
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind 

Upcoming Partnerships 
State of Arizona
State of California  
State of Florida
Florida Lighthouse of Broward 
Florida Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision Tampa  
State of Massachusetts 
State of Mississippi
State of Ohio
State of Texas  

Industry News + Stats

*	According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a 35% increase in information security analyst jobs between 2021 and 2031. 
*	There were 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally in 2023, according to Cybersecurity Ventures. 
*	Check out Cyber Seek to view the number of open cybersecurity jobs by state in the US: 
 <https://reach.novacoast.com/e3t/Ctc/LR+113/c1N0l04/VWt4Lb53ZvR6W14jb533LcP4SW5VG-2S59PplYN8yKgCK3lYMRW6N1vHY6lZ3lVVX-jW36pTdmfW1GjKrR6LcYJQVJB50R1bSdHvW7z5vKx7gRvS0W5MsT_t72QpccW60lY4978yB2MW82Hxx97TJSsMW3JJ5zq745GVnW7vGK1x3G4G4vW8QjGPh96QCqtW3y5j5W8bFVCPW1v-WdD4pZ7qxW1hmcH61QlZXKW6cpvYg8J01Z4W11w0-X81BPHFW5-5CXz46WyyYN7PRrTT_mqd0W32dgmM1GP41yW4cBZNW5syHw9W13w4cM7z5jgLW21ct0s9kJgByW1yMy955SGSZhf90Dp_K04> https://www.cyberseek.org/heatmap.html 

  <https://reach.novacoast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Apex%20Program%20logo%20lockup%20%E2%80%93%20primary%20%E2%80%93%20full%20color%20(1)-1.jpg?width=100&height=84&upscale=true&name=Apex%20Program%20logo%20lockup%20%E2%80%93%20primary%20%E2%80%93%20full%20color%20(1)-1.jpg> 

Our Mission

The Apex Program is committed to bridging the gap in cybersecurity talent by empowering the blind, visually impaired, disabled, and veteran communities through inclusive, accessible, and comprehensive training. Our mission is to nurture a diverse workforce equipped with the necessary IT security skills and certifications to thrive in the cybersecurity sector.

In partnership with Novacoast, we ensure a solid educational foundation and job placement in the industry, further fostering a future where every individual can focus their distinct abilities on building a more secure digital world. 

Visit  <https://reach.novacoast.com/e3t/Ctc/LR+113/c1N0l04/VWt4Lb53ZvR6W14jb533LcP4SW5VG-2S59PplYN8yKgCq3lYMRW69sMD-6lZ3lQW95Fy-029BPQQW2g1GzS1X_F2fW15jzsx60FQ_7W7ChXYw2Bsjm-N1Rx6dNMb4N6W5C8vcg92hTv8W8tVxh16KhX0GVh9t3t7mBRJNW9gGy2Y4Z_W12W7HvgvY28M0f0W5C66Qg87cL7BW62kYYm6180QsW2jsbRj452lsKW44MVN64gnjxXW1f3Krj7Q-7qqW3LVqQN4CdcZwW7WzR6z8hTRwbW8JyBzY78qxsrW7zNcPP706dGmN8BnFpM7McKBf6nX8fb04> theapexprogram.com for more information, or contact us at  <mailto:apexprogram at novacoast.com> apexprogram at novacoast.com

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 We're deeply grateful for the partnerships and collaborations that allow us to expand our reach and impact more lives. The Apex Program remains committed to fostering education, providing opportunities, and creating a more inclusive future in the cybersecurity landscape. 

Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. 

Warm regards, 

Novacoast Apex Program Team