Cyber PIVOTT Act

The Cyber PIVOTT Act would establish a new federal scholarship program administered by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to help Americans enter the cybersecurity field. The program would provide full scholarships for two-year cybersecurity or cyber-relevant degree and certification programs at community colleges and technical schools. This would allow individuals without traditional four-year degrees—including career changers and those with high school diplomas—to gain cybersecurity skills and credentials. The bill aims to start with 250 students in the first year and eventually reach 10,000 students annually within ten years.

Scholarship recipients would agree to work in federal government cyber roles in exchange for the educational support. The program would also provide access to an online database of cyber training resources and funding for up to three professional certifications. By creating pathways into cybersecurity careers through community colleges and technical schools, the legislation seeks to address a significant workforce shortage—there are reportedly over 500,000 vacant cybersecurity jobs in the United States.