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Stillman College participated last week as Google.org, announced a $20 million commitment in collaboration with the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics to help thousands of students pursue careers in the high-demand field of cybersecurity.

Stillman is a member of the original cohort of the Consortium and the first HBCU. Stillman is expected to apply for Google funding to support program development, equipment, and software to support its community clients.

Dr. Kevin Harris, chair of Computational and Information Sciences in Stillman’s School of Business, said it’s a great opportunity for the students to compete in.

Stillman College’s Cybersecurity Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Clinic will provide cyber support to minority-owned small businesses in Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas. Stillman aims to launch its cybersecurity clinic in the fall and staff it with up to five Stillman students who are being trained by the consortium.

“Black and Hispanic small businesses are a small percentage of the small business landscape – roughly 3% Black and 7% Hispanic – but cyber-attacks affect them significantly,” Harris said. “We want to support businesses that may not be aware of cyber risks or be able to afford protection.”

Five Stillman students are taking part in the Consortium’s professional development offerings to help prepare for the fall 2023 launch:

• Jayden Hubbard, senior, journalism
• Joshua Lane, senior, interdisciplinary studies
• Kenyatta Lewis, junior, business/cybersecurity
• Galen Miller, sophomore, mathematics
• Ameerreia Rollins, junior, mathematics

Stillman College has a strong alumni base in Dallas County: Keith High School Principal Tommy Tisdale Jr., his wife, LaTonia, Tisdale, Dallas County Schools System teacher  Zella Ford,  former Stillman College track coach Jake Irby, Salem Elementary School teacher Gladys Davis,  last year’s graduates from Selma  Tyriq Fells, Dorian McWilliams and Anthony Kemp of Selma and Shelby Boswell of Valley Grande and Selma Times-Journal Managing Editor James Jones.