Cybersecurity threats are rising every day, leaving small businesses and nonprofits vulnerable to attacks they can’t afford to face.
If you’ve ever wondered how aspiring cybersecurity professionals gain real experience while making a difference right now, you’re about to find out.
RW2’s Cyber Conversations® initiative bridges the gap between learning and doing. Through hands-on cybersecurity assessments guided by industry professionals, RW2 learners help strengthen community organizations while preparing for rewarding careers in one of the fastest-growing fields in the nation.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What Cyber Conversations® is and how it works
- How learners gain real-world experience that leads to employment
- Why cybersecurity readiness matters for every organization
- How RW2 is helping build both security and opportunity
Let’s explore how this innovative model is creating a future where everyone belongs in tech—and communities stay safer in the process.
Cybersecurity Challenges Facing Small Businesses and Nonprofits
Small businesses are the backbone of every community—but they’re also the most vulnerable to cyberattacks.
According to the Verizon 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report, 43% of cyberattacks target small enterprises, and the average breach costs over $100,000.
Yet only 14% of these organizations feel prepared to defend against them. For nonprofits, the risks are just as high—one breach can disrupt operations, erode trust, and cause irreversible damage.
Cybersecurity isn’t just about technology. It’s about protecting people, livelihoods, and community trust. But for small organizations without dedicated IT teams, hiring cybersecurity consultants can be out of reach.
That’s where RW2’s Cyber Conversations® program steps in—bridging this resource gap while giving adult learners meaningful, real-world experience.
What Is Cyber Conversations®?
Bringing Online Learning to Real-World Impact
RW2’s Cyber Conversations® is a hands-on cybersecurity initiative built into the organization’s 24-week online Cybersecurity Training Program.
Here’s how it works:
- Learners train in foundational cybersecurity concepts, mastering the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF 2.0).
- They complete a capstone project that mirrors real-world consulting work.
- Under the supervision of industry-experienced instructors, they conduct cybersecurity assessments for local small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs.
Without accessing an organization’s systems or proprietary information, RW2’s junior cybersecurity consultants evaluate vulnerabilities, recommend best practices, and help build long-term resilience—all while developing professional portfolios that make them workforce-ready.
This model does more than teach—it empowers. Learners don’t just earn certifications; they also gain practical consulting experience, something many adult professionals need to stand out in today’s competitive job market.
Bridging the Gap Between Training and Employment
The transition from online technical training to professional work can be daunting—especially for adult learners balancing family, work, and education.
RW2 designed Cyber Conversations® to make that transition smoother and more attainable.
How It Benefits Learners
- Real-world experience: Participants apply technical knowledge in real consulting scenarios.
- Professional portfolios: Each learner documents assessments, reports, and recommendations to show potential employers.
- Career readiness: Graduates leave with both credentials and hands-on experience—two of the biggest barriers to job entry.
In Kansas City, the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow. Nearly 7,000 people are already employed in the field, and jobs are expected to increase by 18% by 2026.
Yet hundreds of positions remain unfilled due to the shortage of experienced candidates.
RW2’s Cyber Conversations® directly addresses this challenge—turning learners into professionals who can confidently step into those roles.
Real-World Impact: Strengthening Communities Through Cyber Readiness
Every Cyber Conversation® represents more than just a project—it’s a step toward building community resilience.
When RW2 learners assess local organizations, they’re not just gaining experience—they’re helping protect the people and missions those organizations serve.
For Learners
- Builds problem-solving and teamwork skills.
- Strengthens confidence through practical consulting experience.
- Connects education to meaningful impact in their community.
For Organizations
- Gains actionable cybersecurity insights and best practices.
- Strengthens defenses against cyberattacks.
- Receives valuable support from learners guided by professionals.
This model creates a cycle of learning and giving back—learners grow their skills while small businesses and nonprofits gain vital protection. It’s how RW2 truly builds security and builds futures.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Why It Matters More Than Ever
Each October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds us that everyone has a role to play in keeping data safe.
For RW2, this month is more than a campaign—it’s a celebration of the work learners and instructors do year-round to strengthen digital resilience.
As threats grow—ransomware, phishing, data leaks—the need for well-trained cybersecurity professionals becomes even more urgent. RW2’s approach ensures that every lesson connects to a real-world purpose, helping learners understand not just how to secure systems, but why it matters.
The message is clear: A stronger cybersecurity workforce means safer communities for everyone.
Case Insight: Learning Through Service
Imagine a small nonprofit in Kansas City that relies on donor data, event registrations, and online communications.
A single data breach could cost them trust, donations, and operations.
Through Cyber Conversations®, an RW2 learner team conducts a cybersecurity readiness assessment using the NIST CSF 2.0. They identify weak password protocols and outdated software, recommend two-factor authentication, and help implement stronger backup procedures.
The organization becomes more secure, while the learners gain experience consulting in a real environment—a win-win for both education and community safety.
This is what applied learning looks like at RW2: technical skills that translate directly into community impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF 2.0)?
It’s a nationally recognized set of best practices and guidelines that help organizations identify, protect, detect, respond to, and recover from cybersecurity threats.
Who can join RW2’s Cybersecurity Program?
RW2’s 24-week online program is open to adult learners seeking a career in cybersecurity—whether they’re new to the field or reskilling for a tech career.
Do learners earn certifications?
Yes. RW2 prepares participants for CompTIA Security+, a globally recognized certification, alongside real-world consulting experience.
Is Cyber Conversations® available to local organizations?
Yes. Small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs can partner with RW2 to receive cybersecurity assessments guided by industry professionals.
Why does community-based cybersecurity matter?
Because threats affect everyone. Strengthening small organizations protects the entire ecosystem—from families and schools to local economies.
How to Get Involved
For Learners
If you’re ready to take the next step toward a cybersecurity career, RW2’s online program offers everything you need: hands-on learning, mentorship, and industry-recognized credentials—all in just 24 weeks.
For Businesses and Nonprofits
If you’re a small business or nonprofit in the Kansas City area, you can partner with RW2 to strengthen your cybersecurity posture while helping learners gain practical experience.
👉 Questions?
📞 816-875-0111
🌐 www.rw2.education
📧 rw2.cte@rw2.education
Together, we can build security and build futures.
Conclusion: Creating a Future of Belonging and Opportunity
RW2 believes in a future where every learner has a voice, every organization has protection, and every community has opportunity.
Through Cyber Conversations®, RW2 participants aren’t just learning—they’re actively building safer, stronger, and more connected communities. This initiative proves that when education meets purpose, the result is transformation—for learners and for the world around them.
Cybersecurity isn’t only about firewalls and passwords—it’s about people. It’s about ensuring that talented individuals facing barriers to opportunity have a place to belong in the tech workforce. And at RW2, that future is already being built—one Cyber Conversation® at a time.
