Integrating Soft Skills with Technical Skills to Produce Next-Generation Cybersecurity Technicians

NSF Award Search · 04002526DB NSF STEM Education · $565,044 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This project aims to serve the national interest by producing more qualified technicians to meet workforce demands in cybersecurity. Keeping computers and information systems secure is a critical need and a major challenge in business, industry, and government. The growth of cyber-threats has created a need for many more workers who have the knowledge and skills to protect both existing and emerging technologies. Research and feedback from employers indicate that although graduates of cybersecurity programs are generally well-prepared technically, their soft skills remain underdeveloped. (This issue was exacerbated by primarily virtual interactions and remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic.) To address this gap, the investigators intend to integrate the targeted development of soft skills into core cybersecurity courses through structured team-based activities, simulations, and competition-style challenges. The project will focus on five competencies that cybersecurity professionals need in the workplace: communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, continuous learning, and attention to detail. The Business & Industry Leadership Team (BILT) that advises the college's cybersecurity program prioritized these soft skills for attention. The project team will directly embed them into course activities, assignments, and assessments. Specifically, the investigators aim to revise four existing cybersecurity courses -- Introduction to Cyber Crime, Introduction to Protocol

Key facts

NSF award ID
2452299
Awardee
Johnston Community College (NC)
SAM.gov UEI
F6GULVFKKQA6
PI
Alan Gruver
Primary program
04002526DB NSF STEM Education
All programs
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION, UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Estimated total
$565,044
Funds obligated
$565,044
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 09/30/2028