Blackburn’s bill puts more JROTC students in cybersecurity, computer science careers

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) on July 17 cosponsored bipartisan legislation promoting cybersecurity and related careers to Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) students.

“Part of rebuilding our nation’s military is investing in our future servicemen and women,” Sen. Blackburn said. “By providing funding for high school training in areas such as computer science and cybersecurity, we can ensure that the next generation in uniform is prepared for the future of combat.”

Sen. Blackburn introduced the JROTC Cyber Training Act, S. 2154, with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) to direct the U.S. Secretary of Defense to carry out a program to bolster the preparation of JROTC students for careers in computer science and cybersecurity, according to the congressional record.

S. 2154 is the companion bill to H.R. 3266, introduced in June by Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) in the U.S. House of Representatives. U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) is a cosponsor of that bill.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there will be 3.5 million computing-related jobs available by 2026, but the nation’s current education pipeline will fill just 19 percent of those openings.

If enacted, the proposal tasks the Defense Secretary with establishing activities, such as targeted internships and cooperative research opportunities, and funding for specific training that potentially could bring evidence-based computer science and cybersecurity education to 500,000 students at 3,400 JROTC high schools across the country, according to information provided by Sen. Blackburn’s office.

The bill has garnered support from organizations including the Computer Science Teachers Association, the College Board, Code.org, the National Girls Collaborative Project, and the National Center for Women & IT, among others.