<img height="1" width="1" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=951118338979261&amp;ev=PageView &amp;noscript=1">
Skip to content

This program was March 2021 - June 2023 and is now closed due to funding.

VCSA was a Free Cyber Training for Northern VA Residents financially impacted by Covid.

What Is VCSA?

New Skills. New Start.

The VA Cyber Skills Academies (VCSA) provide world-class, hands-on training to candidates who want to start or expand their career in the cybersecurity field. Sponsored by the state of Virginia, this program was developed to aid its residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and help its business community meet the increasing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals.

Our flexible, practical training and support will fast-track you into a cybersecurity career with one of our local Northern Virginia employer partners. In addition to four-to-six-month accelerated, immersive training curricula, VCSA offers ongoing career and networking programs to introduce you into the cyber community.

VA Cyber Reskilling Academy

Free hands-on technical training and soft skills development for Northern Virginia residents with limited-to-no cybersecurity experience.

VA Cyber Upskilling Academy
Free practical training and industry certifications for qualified IT/cybersecurity professionals residing in Northern Virginia to advance their skills.

Why VCSA?

2021-04-VCSA_icons_freetraining

Free Training

Your tuition is funded by the state of Virginia.

2021-04-VCSA_icons_workwhilelearn

Work While You Learn

Flexible training schedules take weeks—not years.

2021-04-VCSA_icons_professmentors

Professional Mentors

Expert coaches are from top local employers.

Our Academies

Reskilling

VA Cyber Reskilling Academy

No IT experience needed
  • Fast track into an in-demand career
  • Hands-on skills training
  • Industry-recognized, world-class instruction (SANS Institute)
  • Get GIAC certified (Global Information Assurance Certification)
  • Program meets federal/Department of Defense (DoD 8140) requirements that employers need
  • Mentors help you identify jobs that fit your skills and goals and coach you on connecting with employers and VCSA partners

VA Cyber Upskilling Academy

For early-career IT/cyber professionals looking to advance

  • Increase your knowledge and earning potential

  • Explore new areas of cybersecurity

  • Complete advanced SANS training courses

  • Complete the GIAC certification

  • Innovative, hands-on labs, and practical exercises 

  • Gain leadership skills and boost your professional development

Questions About Other
Cyber Training Programs?

Contact Us.

Cyber Careers Are in Demand!

2021-04-VCSA_icons_jobsecurity

Job Security

The current demand for cybersecurity professionals in the public and private sectors is making employers scale up and out.

2021-04-VCSA_icons_interestvariety

Interesting Variety

Cyber professionals work in many different situations and with the latest technologies.

 

2021-04-VCSA_icons_intellectpuzzles

Intellectual Puzzles

While you’ll learn best practices and principles, there’s always something new to learn and always a new opportunity to excel.

2021-04-VCSA_icons_jobfulfillment

Job Fulfillment

Prevent real criminals from taking advantage of your friends and family—and places like schools, businesses, and more.

Academy Application Process

2021-06-VCSA_ApplicationProcess_infographic_V3_noheader

Our Founders

Program Partners