Congresswoman Luz Rivas Congratulates Los Angeles Valley College on Receiving Federal Grant to Train Cybersecurity Professionals

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29), the only Latina in Congress with a STEM background, released the following statement after the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced that Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) will receive a federal grant of nearly $658,000 to provide a pathway to cybersecurity careers for LAVC students:

"Congratulations to President Barry Gribbons and Los Angeles Valley College for receiving a valuable NSF federal grant to help students be prepared to enter the workforce as cybersecurity professionals," said Congresswoman Rivas. "This highlights the growing need for serious, long-term investments in STEM education that allows students to see that a future career in STEM is possible and attainable. I look forward to working with President Gribbons and LA Valley College faculty members Mario Perez and Shirin Herrington to continue finding ways to strengthen STEM workforce pathways for students across the San Fernando Valley."

"I am excited that the National Science Foundation is supporting LA Valley College to expand our cybersecurity program given the local, state, and national significance and the estimated 36% of cybersecurity jobs are currently unfilled in California," said Dr. Barry Gribbons, President of Los Angeles Valley College.

Background:

On August 29, NSF announced that they are making an award to Los Angeles Valley College for $657,538 for its project, "A Pathway to Cybersecurity Careers in California." The project aims to produce more qualified technicians to meet workforce demands in cybersecurity.

In addition to this grant, Congresswoman Rivas' Community Project Funding request for LAVC's Cybersecurity Center was includedin the House Appropriations' Fiscal Year 2026 bills. Congresswoman Rivas has also introduced the STEM Pathways for the Future Act, which would help rebuild the STEM workforce, including cybersecurity professionals, by fostering educational and apprenticeship opportunities for students who come from diverse and untraditional pathways.

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