RIC's cybersecurity institute plans to grow with AI courses and new 'cyber range'

Less than one year after its launch, Rhode Island College's Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies already has its sights set on expanding.

In a recent interview, U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin, who now chairs the institute, said about 300 students have joined since it started in November 2023, and come this fall, they'll be able to take courses in artificial intelligence.

More: What does McKee's budget offer education? Here's a breakdown, from pre-K classrooms to vaping

State's cybersecurity workforce isn't meeting serious demand

A major issue, Langevin said, is the lack of a strong cybersecurity workforce in the state, which is forcing companies to look elsewhere for employees.

"Early on, even before we started the institute up, we met in the governor’s office with a major financial institution in the state," Langevin said. "And they were talking about how they have several hundred employees that are in their cybersecurity division, and they struggle all the time to find Rhode Islanders with the right skills to do jobs that they have available and that they need to hire for."

Langevin did not specify which financial institution he was discussing. His spokesperson, Lindsey Russell, said he "intentionally kept his remarks at a high-level" but "the lack of cyber trained professionals has been shared by many employers across the state."

Throughout the U.S., there are nearly 600,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs according to CyberSeek, a U.S. Commerce Department resource. In Rhode Island, there are nearly 3,000 openings.

More: Rhode Island College's new president selected. Why he was picked for the job.

Artificial intelligence, 'cyber range' will be institute's next offering

Aside from classes in AI, which students may take in the fall semester, RIC is hoping to transform Whipple Hall into a hub for its cybersecurity institute.

To get it done, Gov. Dan McKee has proposed $55 million in state funds as part of a larger general obligation bond for education.

Within the hall – one of the campus' original buildings – would be a "cyber range" where students could hone their skills in a risk-free environment.

"A cyber range would basically be a room where there would be a self-contained internet … where the students will be able to get real-world experience both in cyber defense, understanding what cyber offense looks like," Langevin said.

Senior students would also be able to use the hub to provide services to government agencies, nonprofits and businesses so that they can address cyber threats. Langevin said that work would be paid, and designed to assist entities that "lack cyber infrastructure."

For one student, institute is a second chance at a degree

To boost enrollment, RIC has been trying to attract Rhode Islanders with some college experience already under their belts. That includes 34-year-old Amanda Charette, a mom of four who, in addition to a full course load at the cybersecurity institute, runs a real estate consulting business.

A two-time college dropout, Charette says she is now ready to earn her degree, and found her calling in cybersecurity.

"I really have to prioritize my time and make it all work because I think cybersecurity has a stable future for me and my family," she said.

With two years left at RIC, Charette says her hope is to work in federal government, protecting the public from foreign threats.

"I’m a big dreamer," Charette said. "I shoot for probably the hardest thing."

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RIC's cybersecurity institute will grow to meet employment need