Urban City Codes provides culturally-focused, community-based technology training solutions that empower under-represented, under-resourced, individuals, groups, and companies to develop and stay competitive in a rapidly changing world.
“Tangible digital skills development needs to happen faster than the rate of technological change and in particular for blacks and minorities. Otherwise, skills gaps can’t be fixed.”
URBAN CITY CODES
The Situation
The Solution
Tondi learned about Project Ares through LinkedIn and was attracted to the solution offering because of its gamified scenarios. She knew that if learning cybersecurity could be fun and engaging, it would lower the barriers to entry around technology adoption and use. In partnership with cyber instructor Daniel Addison, Urban City Codes launched “Cybersecurity Missions Training”, a 4-week course to help students of all cyber competency levels apply learned concepts to real-world scenarios to build skills for the workforce or become cyber consultants. The course included hands-on cyber labs within the Project Ares platform wrapped around a cyber course curriculum. Students were taught network analysis, Linux, Scripting, Traffic analysis, and Powershell fundamentals. They used the Project Ares labs to apply concepts learned in virtual instruction.
The course also provided recommended textbook readings to accompany the hands-on labs. The course was divided into units that addressed various cyber fundamentals including the use of tools, work roles, and tactics and procedures. A customized combination of cyber learning games and foundational and specialized scenarios were utilized per week to help students practice concepts discussed in class.
“Project Ares made learning cybersecurity fun, and it was a no-brainer to use the labs to teach in a gamified way.”
Tondi Allen
Student Benefits
They were able to take the concepts learned in the class and apply them in realistic hands-on labs to demonstrate a true understanding of cyber principles and practices. Immersive scenarios, team chat, and other features allowed students to develop and strengthen professional skills in communication, teamwork, collaboration, and problem-solving. Technical competencies learned were complemented by workplace competencies like critical thinking and organization.
Instructor Benefits
Tondi sees that cybersecurity is an exciting, well-paid, and currently relevant industry that draws in many people. However, she points out that the surface appeal needs to be supported by a serious approach to skill-building. Teaching the basics of how a computer works, teaching digital literacy…all those fundamental areas that help students learn cyber is critical to long-term career success. For Tondi, it’s important to meet learners where they are and understand their challenges first.
Urban City Codes looks forward to offering more hands-on courses for students so they have a pathway to pursue cyber certifications and full-time careers in the industry. The organization currently partners with more than 17 companies looking to hire entry-level cyber professionals. Tondi is confident students who complete the 4-week course will be well-equipped with the skills and confidence they need to break into the industry and thrive in it.
