From Classroom to Command Center: Building a Cyber Talent Pipeline in Your Jurisdiction

Overview

What if the answer to your agency’s security workload isn’t in another RFP, but already training at a university just miles away?

Across the country, forward-looking institutions are launching student-run security operations centers where undergrads train on live systems and handle real-world threats. These aren’t classroom simulations — students are triaging active alerts and working with the same tools your team uses every day. They leave the program ready to contribute to your security team on day one.

The result? A local talent pipeline built for the public sector — trained, tested, and ready to plug into your workforce with zero ramp-up time.

Join Government Technology and TekStream to learn how public sector leaders are building cybersecurity ecosystems, powered by Splunk, that support daily operations while addressing local workforce gaps.

You’ll hear what’s working, where agencies are seeing real value, and how you can bring this approach to your own city, county, or state.

Here’s what we cover:

• How state and local agencies are using student-led SOCs: Get a closer look at how this model fits into real-world risk management strategies and why it’s reducing both costs and response times.
• Where to find cyber talent trained on today’s tools: Learn how universities are graduating students who already know the systems, tactics, and compliance needs your agency works with daily.
• What it takes to build effective public-academic partnerships: Understand how IT leaders are working with universities and workforce boards, plus how to present the value to decision-makers in your agency.