By University Communications
Friday, 08 19 2022

Texas A&M-San Antonio provides opportunity to underserved in community to achieve careers in technology

SAN ANTONIO – As part of the Texas Talent Connection Grant, Texas A&M University-San Antonio (A&M-San Antonio) is offering the Texas Two Step program, one of 18 workforce skills training programs across Texas. The program’s goal is to upskill or reskill 100 women in the San Antonio community who have an interest in pursuing a career in tech, provide opportunities to cultivate a network of IT professionals in order to readily transition to that industry, and offer an opportunity to sit for the CompTIA Security + Certification exam. 

To qualify to participate in the program, applicants must meet several requirements, including one of the following: 

• Current or former veteran (receiving public assistance)
• Spouse of a veteran
• Unemployed
• Recipient of public assistance i.e., SNAP, TANF, or SSI
• Member of a household that receives public assistance i.e. SNAP, TANF, or SSI
• Homelessness
• Current or former foster

Texas Two Step community-based training program is a five-week program that engages the participants in self-paced study of cybersecurity-related instruction, career exploration and professional development (informational interviews and industry networking events), and an experiential learning opportunity via the Forage virtual work experience. Participants will complete 20 hours of career development/financial wellness, 30 hours of virtual test prep for CompTIA Security + Certification, a virtual work experience opportunity, and be allowed to sit for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. 

“Workforce development training programs like our very own Texas Two Step add tremendous value to the quality of life of our participants and their extended family, in a relatively short period of time,” said Aurora Martinez Medina, workforce development coordinator. “Our participants come to our program with one skillset and in a matter of five to six weeks exit with a more marketable skillset coupled with a more refined professional self-image that catapults them into the cyber security industry with confidence.” 

A&M-San Antonio also holds active collaboration with Women in Cybersecurity San Antonio and A&M-San Antonio student chapters to provide job shadowing, study groups, networking, and mentorships, among others, to program participants. 

As participants complete their training, they will be equipped to either enter the work force on a different career path with a different skillset, receive post-program coaching for up to 90 days after completion or enroll in a related degree program with the University. A&M-San Antonio will waive application fees and provide book vouchers for participants interested in continuing on with University. A&M-San Antonio offers a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) in Information Technology, with an Information Assurance and Cyber Security Concentration. All students graduating from this concentration are eligible to receive the NSA/DHS Cyber Defense Education Certificate upon graduation. The BAAS degree program allows students to transfer in 18-42 technical/vocational credits taken in the field of Information Technology. 

“This program offered me something fresh, new, and up and coming in a career field which is in high demand. The certification can lead to higher paying salaries,” said program participant Josie Cordero. “The cybersecurity training I received has empowered me for a better quality of life, not just for myself, but for my employer and my family.” 

For more information, contact (210) 784-1356/mays@tamusa.edu or visit  www.tamusa.edu/mays/texas-two-step/index.html

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About Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Established as a stand-alone university in 2009, Texas A&M University-San Antonio is a comprehensive four-year public university that reflects the culturally diverse, heritage-rich community it serves. Situated on nearly 700 acres in south San Antonio, the University offers 33 undergraduate degrees and 16 graduate degrees to nearly 7,000 students. A&M-San Antonio is home to the Henry G. Cisneros Institute for Emerging Leaders and the Cyber Engineering Technology/Cyber Security Research Center. The University holds the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation and is one of only 24 higher education institutions in the U.S. to have received the Seal of Excelencia certification from Excelencia in Education for its support of Latino student success. More than 75 percent of A&M-SA students identify as Hispanic, and 73 percent are the first in their family to attend college. A&M-San Antonio is a military-embracing institution; in 2020, Military Times ranked the University No. 35 in the nation for “Best for Vets: Colleges.” Visit tamusa.edu for more information. #onamission