Target supports cybersecurity education

University of Minnesota students have new opportunities to study cybersecurity.

Target is kicking off a three-year collaboration with the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering with a $250,000 donation. The goal of the partnership is to build course curriculum and offer hands-on information security experiences, student scholarships, fellowships and grants, and opportunities for students to network with Target cybersecurity experts. 

The joint effort will include a year-long capstone course that will give students hands-on tech experience prior to graduation. The instructor and students will work directly with Target executives to solve a real-world industry problem and develop possible solutions.

Target’s donation also includes funding for seven undergraduate student scholarships at $5,000 each that started with the fall 2019 semester. It will also send computer science-related student groups to conferences, workshops, hackathons and other events.

“Over the next 10 years, it’s predicted that half of all cybersecurity positions in the U.S. will be vacant,” said Rich Agostino, chief information security officer at Target. “As one of the largest employers in the Twin Cities, we know we have a responsibility to help build the cybersecurity talent pipeline. Our team has been working closely with the University of Minnesota on a unique collaboration that not only helps educate the next generation of cybersecurity leaders, but also provides training and leadership opportunities to Target’s team.”

“We’re grateful to Target for supporting the University in our efforts to build the pipeline of high-tech workers in this state and around the world,” said Mostafa Kaveh, dean of the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering. “When industry and academia work together to solve problems, great things can happen. We look forward to collaborating with Target for many years.”