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The CIRI Foundation
Featured Career Pathway

Technology & Cybersecurity

Explore careers in cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, systems administration, software development, cloud systems, and information governance.

Why This Pathway Matters in Alaska

Technology and cybersecurity careers continue to grow rapidly across Alaska and nationwide. From Alaska Native regional corporations and healthcare organizations to financial institutions and government agencies, qualified IT professionals protect vital data and power daily operations.

These careers offer exceptional earning potential, remote and hybrid work opportunities within Alaska, and structured upward mobility from entry-level help desk roles to Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

Whether you are pursuing a 4-year degree in Computer Science or accelerated industry credentials like CompTIA Security+, Network+, or AWS Solutions Architect, TCF has funding options tailored to your path.

Specializations & High-Demand Roles

Workforce Snapshot

Key employment sectors, in-demand job titles, and recognized credentials within this field.

Cybersecurity & InfoSec

Protect organizational networks, detect threats, and maintain regulatory compliance.

Representative Occupations:

  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Security Operations Specialist
  • Penetration Tester
  • Information Assurance Officer

Key Credentials:

CompTIA Security+CISSPCertified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Systems & Network Administration

Maintain core server infrastructure, cloud environments, and enterprise telecommunications.

Representative Occupations:

  • Network Engineer
  • Systems Administrator
  • Cloud Architect
  • Database Administrator

Key Credentials:

CompTIA Network+Cisco CCNAMicrosoft Azure CertifiedAWS Associate

Software & Web Development

Design and build applications, database integrations, and digital platforms.

Representative Occupations:

  • Front-End Developer
  • Full-Stack Engineer
  • Mobile App Developer
  • DevOps Engineer

Key Credentials:

Full-Stack CertificationPython CertifiedReact / Node Accreditations

Degree & Certification Levels

Educational Pathways & Timelines

Choose the program timeline that fits your career horizon, from fast-track trade certificates to 4-year university degrees.

3 – 12 Months

Certificate / CTE

Focused training covering industry certifications (CompTIA, Cisco, AWS) and bootcamp programs.

TCF Scholarship Match:

CTE Scholarship (Up to $9,000/calendar year)

2 Years

Associate Degree

Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information & Office Systems, Cyber Network Security, or IT.

TCF Scholarship Match:

Higher Education Scholarship ($200/credit hr)

4 Years

Bachelor Degree

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Systems Engineering, or Management Information Systems (MIS).

TCF Scholarship Match:

Higher Education Scholarship (Up to $9,000/year with summer)

Direct Financial Support

TCF Funding for This Pathway

Apply for scholarships structured specifically to fund your tuition, fees, exams, and required materials.

Higher Education Scholarship

Up to $9,000/year
Oct 1 – Dec 31 & Apr 1 – Jun 30

Covers tuition, registration fees, and textbooks for students pursuing associate or bachelor degrees in tech.

View Program Details

Career Technical Education (CTE)

Up to $9,000/year
Year-Round (No Deadline)

Pays for technical training courses, certifications exams, and technical bootcamps.

View Program Details

Charles “Chuck” G. Anderson, Jr. Fund

Competitive Award
June 30 Annually

Designated endowment specifically supporting students in cybersecurity, public safety, and justice.

View Program Details

Jump Start Award

Up to $2,000/year
Open Year-Round

Funds high school students pursuing dual-enrollment tech classes or IT certification exam vouchers.

View Program Details
Personalized 1-on-1 Advising

Need Help Planning This Pathway?

Connect with a TCF Education & Career Advisor to select courses, navigate university admissions, and build your debt-free braided funding stack.

Industry & Education Partners

Partner Resources & Pathways

Technology pathway content includes information provided by OSC Technology Solutions, a CIRI subsidiary specializing in cybersecurity, software engineering, IT infrastructure, and information governance for the Department of Energy and commercial critical infrastructure.

OSC Global

A CIRI family company delivering cyber, systems engineering, and IT solutions across federal, commercial, and critical infrastructure environments.

Explore OSC Global

DoD 8140 Baseline Requirements

CompTIA Security+ and related credentials meet DoD Directive 8140 baseline requirements for cybersecurity workforce roles.

DoD 8140 Information

CAE Community Cybersecurity Map

Find National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-C) colleges and degree pathways.

Explore CAE Map

NIST NICE Cybersecurity Framework

National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NIST SP 800-181).

NICE Framework