This study presents a research and workforce development initiative designed to enhance the digital resilience of local businesses and non-profit organizations through a student-led cybersecurity training and AI advisory program. The project integrates experiential learning with community engagement by empowering undergraduate students to deliver cybersecurity awareness workshops, conduct comprehensive threat assessments, and support the establishment of secure workplace environments. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative pre- and post-training surveys with qualitative feedback and observations. The sample included small businesses and non-profit organizations located in Rockbridge County, Virginia, representing sectors such as retail, food services, technology, health, and environmental management. Training modules were delivered both onsite and online, featuring interactive lessons, animations, and formative assessments designed to promote immediate knowledge application. Results indicated improvements in participants’ cybersecurity awareness, confidence in applying security practices, and understanding of AI-driven tools for data protection. Beyond individual outcomes, the program fostered long-term partnerships between academia and community organizations, demonstrating a replicable model for cyber-as-a-service education. These findings offer actionable strategies for educators and policymakers seeking to integrate experiential cybersecurity learning into higher education curricula and workforce development programs. Specifically, they highlight the effectiveness of student-led service-learning models in addressing digital literacy gaps while simultaneously preparing a skilled cybersecurity workforce aligned with state and national priorities for digital transformation and resilience.

Authors:
Sherif Abdelhamid, Virginia Military Institute, United States
Mona Aly, Independent Scholar, United States
James Bangura, Virginia Military Institute, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Sherif E. Abdelhamid is an Assistant Professor of Computer and Information Sciences at Virginia Military Institute. His interests include computer science education, digital learning tools, high-performance computing, and interdisciplinary collab

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