Fostering Tomorrow's Leaders: The Impactful Action Guard Initiative at Radford University

 

"Fostering Tomorrow's Leaders: The Impactful Action Guard Initiative at Radford University" 

By: Juliana Hill  

 

In the dynamic landscape of cybersecurity, where the demand for skilled professionals is ever-growing, one Radford University senior is making a significant impact both within the university and the local business community. Meet Sam Williams, a passionate student studying Cybersecurity who has not only excelled in his academic pursuits but has also taken a bold step into entrepreneurship with the creation of "The Action Guard Project." 

  

About The Action Guard Project: Bridging the Gap 

  

The Action Guard Project is a visionary initiative that focuses on bridging the gap between cybersecurity education and real-world application. Rooted in the belief that hands-on learning is key to preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, the project empowers students across the Commonwealth with the skills necessary to safeguard businesses in our increasingly digital world. This project serves a dual purpose, providing alternative learning experiences for students outside traditional classrooms and internships while offering critical cybersecurity services to locally owned small businesses. 

 

Sam Williams, the mastermind behind The Action Guard Project, emphasizes its collaborative spirit, stating, "The Action Guard project’s success hinges on the collaborative spirit that binds students, university staff, and local businesses. By forging these connections, we create a foundation for ongoing cooperation, strengthening the fabric of our local communities." 

  

Mentorship and Liaison Role: 

  

Sam serves as a mentor, acting as a liaison between students and small businesses. He facilitates connections and ensures a smooth collaboration between these two groups, enriching the learning experiences of students while providing essential cybersecurity services to local businesses. 

  

Navigating the Funding Landscape: The Grant Journey 

  

Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey, Sam faced the inevitable challenge of securing funding for The Action Guard Project. The grant process proved to be lengthy and challenging, with initial inquiries about his eligibility as an undergraduate student. Sam's mentor advised him to engage the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) to validate his credentials as an undergraduate researcher. 

  

Radford's OSP proved to be a strong ally, fully supporting the proposal. However, the journey didn't end there. The Cybersecurity Commonwealth Initiative (CCI) requested a rewrite with more details. This is where the Venture Lab at Radford University became instrumental in shaping the proposal into a compelling case for funding. 

  

Venture Lab: Crafting Success through Expertise 

  

The Venture Lab provided not only the space but also the invaluable expertise of Hansy Velazquez and Jackson Hughes. The role of the Venture Lab in curating and developing the grant proposal cannot be overstated. Hansy Velazquez and Jackson Hughes played a pivotal role in refining the proposal, ensuring it aligned with the business goals of The Action Guard Project. 

  

With the support of the Venture Lab, Sam successfully secured the grant worth $5,000, the "2023 Cyber As a Service Grant by CCI." Currently, The Action Guard Project is in the procurement stage, reaching out to local companies to encourage their participation in the program. Sam and his team are proactively engaging with small businesses, offering cybersecurity assessments, risk analyses, and actionable recommendations—all at no cost. 

  

Looking to the Future: Aiming for Quality and Knowledge Deepening 

  

Sam's goal is clear: "My goal is to provide quality cyber services to small businesses to secure their data and provide hands-on experience to students to deepen their knowledge of cybersecurity. From a personal perspective, I am excited to gain a greater understanding of entrepreneurship." 

  

As The Action Guard Project continues to evolve and make a meaningful impact on both students and local businesses, Sam Williams stands as a testament to the transformative power of education, mentorship, and entrepreneurial spirit. His journey exemplifies the possibilities that arise when academic passion meets real-world application, leaving an indelible mark on the cybersecurity landscape at Radford University and beyond.