Hawkins, Texas — Jarvis Christian University has reached a major milestone in workforce development with the recent approval of its Cybersecurity Registered Apprenticeship Program by the Texas Department of Labor. This initiative, developed in partnership with workforce consultant net.America, positions JCU at the forefront of cybersecurity training and professional readiness among HBCUs in Texas.
With this approval, JCU may now begin recruiting potential apprentices to be presented to employer partners 5K Technology and TeKconnx for final selection and enrollment. The program offers hands-on, industry-aligned training that bridges the gap between classroom instruction and real-world cybersecurity careers—addressing one of the nation’s most critical workforce needs.
“This program is a game-changer for our students and our university,” said Chestley Talley, Director of Career Services at Jarvis Christian University. “It creates a direct pathway from education to employment in a high-demand field, and reinforces our commitment to equipping students with the tools and experiences needed for long-term career success.”
As a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), the initiative also serves as a model of what HBCUs can accomplish when educational innovation, strategic partnership, and workforce needs intersect.
“This milestone speaks to the power of institutional collaboration and vision,” said Dr. Regina S. Robinson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Cybersecurity is a vital national security priority, and we are proud to prepare our students to be leaders in this space.”
The apprenticeship program will offer participants structured mentorship, classroom instruction, and paid on-the-job training in a rapidly evolving industry.
“Jarvis Christian University is taking bold steps to meet industry demands while opening doors for historically underrepresented talent in cybersecurity,” said Glenn Best, Workforce Development Consultant with net.America. “We are proud to support Jarvis in what we believe will become a cornerstone of its workforce development portfolio.”
The launch of this program affirms JCU’s mission to educate students intellectually, socially, spiritually, and physically, while preparing them for leadership and service in a global society.
