Iowa State University (ISU) and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Illinois) joined forces to create the ReCIPE coalition framework.
This coalition was formed to facilitate collaboration within the Midwest to tackle a critical challenge: preparing a skilled workforce to defend our nation’s vital infrastructure from cyber threats. Illinois’s Information Trust Institute (ITI) brought over twenty years of extensive history of leading research and testbed development activities, while ISU’s Information Assurance Center contributes deep knowledge in workforce training and industry partnerships.
This powerful combination had facilitated ongoing collaboration in the development and offering of a range of comprehensive cybersecurity curriculum and hands on training and exercise for undergraduate and graduate students, along with seasoned professionals seeking to upgrade their skills. Modular formats allow for targeted learning, covering both established and emerging threats in the ever-evolving cyber landscape. Hands-on exercises and capstone projects equip graduate students and professionals alike with the practical skills and expertise to become frontline defenders.
ReCIPE goes beyond the university setting, as it engages industry stakeholders, state and local government agencies, and critical infrastructure operators. The resulting collaboration has facilitated relevant real-world scenario based outcomes that actively prepare those charged with defending critical infrastructure with much needed resources and educational material. Outputs support seamless integration into the workforce and education and real-world training for active defenders.