Creating Diversity in Cybertech Industry

(photo courtesy of Martin University)

Ivy Tech Community College and Martin University in Indianapolis have announced a partnership to address diversity in education and help employers hire a more inclusive workforce, especially in cyber technology.

Martin, which primarily serves a minority, adult population, says it will create a new Cyber Entrepreneurship program designed to expand access to the IT field for minority groups and people of color.

The institutions say Martin’s cyber program will be melded with Ivy Tech’s NSA-certified Cybersecurity associate degree.

After completing the cybersecurity degree at Ivy Tech, the students are guaranteed to be admitted into the Martin program and earn a Bachelor’s degree.

“This partnership gives Ivy Tech a unique opportunity to better attract and support students of color for success not only at Ivy Tech, but for success in completing their bachelor’s degree from an exceptional university and launching them into high wage, high demand careers,” said Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy Tech.

The schools say the program will result in highly skilled and innovative professionals of color filling thousands of high-wage careers in Indiana’s tech sector.

“We believe that Martin University is the best choice in Indiana to help position students of color for success in both their education and career paths,” said Sean Huddleston, president of Martin.  “We are grateful to be able to capitalize on Ivy Tech’s long-standing and well-respected workforce development program to make inroads for and benefit both students.”

In addition to students, the partnership is also focused on educators. The schools say together they can build a pipeline of teachers of color through their collaborative education programs.