At RW2 Career and Technical Education (RW2), our mission is simple: help people prepare and skill up for high-demand tech careers through short-term, career-connected learning.
One of the ways we’re bringing this mission to life is through Cyber Conversations®, an innovative initiative that not only strengthens small businesses and nonprofits but also provides RW2 students with the hands-on experience they need to launch cybersecurity careers.
This isn’t your average tech support. It’s a win-win model that provides real-world consulting experience for RW2’s cybersecurity students and actionable cyber-readiness insights for local organizations.
Why We Created Cyber Conversations®
The demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, but too many adult learners—even after completing a training program—struggle to land jobs.
Why? Because employers increasingly expect work-based learning experiences that prove candidates can apply their skills in real-world settings.
At the same time, many small businesses and nonprofits don’t have the resources to afford cybersecurity consulting services, leaving their operations and data vulnerable.
Cyber Conversations bridges this gap by pairing RW2’s cybersecurity training program students with local organizations that need support. It’s about preparing students for employment while protecting the community.
Who We Are: RW2 Career and Technical Education
Founded in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, by Dr. Joy Vann-Hamilton, RW2 is certified by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development and is the nation’s first Black- and woman-founded nonprofit career and technical school.
Our programs are designed for adult learners, 18 and over, who want affordable, flexible training that leads directly to employment. We offer:
- Cybersecurity Training (24 weeks)
- CADD (Computer-Aided Design & Drafting) (14 weeks)
- Revit for Building Information Modeling (BIM) (15 weeks)
In our 24-week cybersecurity training program, students prepare for CompTIA certification exams, learn foundational skills in network security and Python scripting, and—through Cyber Conversations—gain client-facing consulting experience that sets them apart in the job market.
How Cyber Conversations® Works
Cyber Conversations® is RW2’s in-house, work-based learning initiative designed to give students and recent graduates the consulting experience employers are looking for.
Here’s how it works:
- Free Consultations: Small businesses, nonprofits, and startups can schedule a free Cyber Conversation through calendly.com/rw2.
- Student-Led, Instructor-Guided: RW2 cybersecurity student consultants lead the session under the supervision of certified instructors.
- No Risk to Your Systems: No sharing of passwords, credentials, or proprietary data is required—conversations are educational, private, and safe.
- Actionable Guidance: Students use a checklist based on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF 2.0) to provide a basic risk assessment and practical recommendations.
Every participant receives a Cyber Snapshot report with clear next steps—while RW2 students gain portfolio-ready experience.
What Organizations Gain
Small business owners and nonprofit leaders often feel overwhelmed by cybersecurity. Cyber Conversations provides a safe and simple entry point to get started.
Benefits include:
- Peace of mind from knowing your risks
- Free or low-cost help from real cybersecurity students
- Actionable guidance in plain language—no jargon
- Zero obligation and zero pressure
- The satisfaction of helping future professionals grow
What RW2 Students Gain
For students and recent graduates, Cyber Conversations aren’t just class projects—they’re real consulting experiences that help them:
- Build professional confidence
- Practice client communication
- Add portfolio projects to their résumé
- Demonstrate applied cybersecurity skills
- Strengthen job placement readiness
This kind of cybersecurity course with hands-on learning is rare—and especially valuable for career changers and adult learners who can’t afford unpaid internships.
Cybersecurity Skills for Career Changers
RW2 students come from all walks of life—retail workers, veterans, caregivers, and professionals looking to transition into tech.
Through our online cybersecurity program with certification prep, students gain both technical skills and soft skills employers demand.
And thanks to Cyber Conversations, they can confidently answer one of the toughest interview questions:
“Tell me about a time you applied cybersecurity skills in a real setting.”
How to Book Your Free Cyber Conversation
Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a nonprofit leader, or a small business owner, Cyber Conversations can help you take the first step toward stronger cybersecurity.
🗓️ Book a Session: calendly.com/rw2
📧 Email: rw2.cte@rw2.education
📞 Call: (816)-875-0111
There are no strings—just insight, guidance, and growth for both you and RW2 students.
What’s Next: Building Missouri’s Cybersecurity Talent Pipeline
At RW2, we believe that short-term, real-world learning experiences can transform lives and careers.
With Cyber Conversations, we’re not just preparing students for certifications—we’re preparing them for employment and leadership in one of Missouri’s most in-demand fields.
👉 If you’re a small business owner: Book a Cyber Conversation today.
👉 If you’re an aspiring cybersecurity professional: Explore RW2’s Cybersecurity Training Program.
👉 If you’re a founder or partner: Support scalable models like Cyber Conversations that create impact for learners and the community.
Together, we can build a safer digital future—while empowering the next generation of cybersecurity talent.
