The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) awarded CTEWorkforce, formerly CivilianCyber, its annual Impact Award for advancing cybersecurity education and workforce development across Virginia. Based in Richmond, the veteran-owned company created the Technology Enabled Engagement with Mentoring™ (TEEM) program, which bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world skills through structured, mentor-led experiences.
“We’re honored to be recognized by CCI,” said CEO Bobby Keener. “This award affirms our impact on students and the cybersecurity workforce.”
Launched in 2022 with support from Radford University’s Jeff Pittges and the CCI Southwest Node, TEEM has grown statewide, supporting over 150 students across seven cohorts, with participation from high school, community college, and university students, as well as industry mentors and employers.
“CTEWorkforce exemplifies how early support from CCI can spark statewide change,” said Gretchen Matthews, CCI Southwest Node director.
The award was presented at the CCI Symposium dinner on April 14, 2025. CCI is a statewide coalition of 40+ Virginia universities, industry, and government partners focused on cybersecurity innovation.
For more information about CTEWorkforce and the TEEM program, contact Ed Gooding at [email protected].