The MassCyberCenter at the MassTech Collaborative is accepting applications for the third edition of its Cybersecurity Mentorship Program, beginning in October. 

This program will accept 25 students in the fall to pair with mentors working in the field of cybersecurity. 

The MassCyberCenter is working with state agencies to try to get the word out about the mentorship program, which includes communicating with companies and previous supporters to recruit mentors who will be paired with students during a future session. 

The focus of the program is to increase diversity in the cybersecurity pipeline in the state. The students accepted to this program are involved in, or have an interest in, cybersecurity and are enrolled in a two- or four-year degree or certificate program. 

The application process asks the applicants why they are interested in cybersecurity and, if accepted, they are matched with a professional mentor currently in the workforce. 

“How things are happening today in this profession is what we really want to have expressed to the students,” said MassCyberCenter Director Stephanie Helm. 

This program will remain virtual, since it has worked well so far, and will allow for participants and mentors to meet once a week and build a stronger connection. 

The program also offers career panels to discuss the job options in this field, and opportunities to network. 

At the end, the students and mentors work on a final project, which is presented during a showcase where the students can show what they’ve learned and how they implemented real strategies and solutions to aspects in cybersecurity, such as creating an incident-response plan. 

“It works out for the student because they get to work on something they’re very interested in in their own right,” Helm said. “The mentor does guide them, through their own expertise or by connecting them with other professionals. So it really is a good thing.” 

Helm said the students find value in what they work on and leave the program with hands-on experience and connections to professionals in this field. 

The program is still seeking mentors, in the public and private sector of this field, who are willing to dedicate a couple of hours every other week to working with the students and guiding them in the work in this field. 

Applications for students and mentors are due on Sept. 17 and can be found online at https://masscybercenter.org/mentorship. 

The program will start in October and continue through mid-December.