UTSA Cyber Range Trains Students in 'Ready to Work' Program
The University of Texas at San Antonio's Cyber Range is part of San Antonio's $200 million Ready to Work program. However, out of 741 people who completed IT or cybersecurity training, only 316 have secured jobs in the industry.
Real-Time Cybersecurity Training
In a downtown San Antonio classroom last month, a computer hack unfolded in real time. The attack's signs were subtle—an unusual Internet address scanning the network for weaknesses.
If left unchecked, the hackers could cause major disruptions, including potentially bringing down the network.
On that day, around 30 trainees, participating in the city-funded jobs program, actively defended the simulated network from intruders.
Program Purpose and Outcomes
- The Cyber Range aims to prepare students with hands-on cybersecurity experience.
- Despite training nearly 750 people, less than half have found industry employment.
- The program focuses on readying K-12 and higher education IT leaders for rapidly evolving technology challenges.
Reported by Brandon Lingle, San Antonio Express-News, November 4, 2025.
Author's Summary
The UTSA Cyber Range provides vital practical training in cybersecurity through the Ready to Work initiative, though job placement rates remain below 50% among participants.
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