Eric States is now earning $27.58 per hour as a registered apprentice at COLT Cyber Security Consultants, and is applying his newly acquired skills in real-world cybersecurity roles to:
• Help write and update client companies' IT policies to bring them into CMMC Level 2 compliance
• Assist in the documentation of extant policy and procedures to bring clients' partially-compliant areas into full compliance with CMMC controls
• Provide clarification and advice on client projects
• Update template documents to provide clients a framework on which to build their System Security Plan

In Eric's own words...
‘Finally Busting Through A Brick Wall’
Before I found the program, I’d spent years pushing against what felt like a brick wall—sending resumes into the void, wishing my cybersecurity career would begin, and wondering if my skills and education would ever be valued. I always loved tech and security, but I didn’t know how to turn that interest into a real career. I had some college behind me and bits of tech knowledge, but no clear roadmap and very little confidence.
Once I started the Academy, everything clicked into place. We worked through in‑depth modules that covered core cybersecurity concepts, networking, threat awareness, and hands-on problem solving, and the material was paced in a way that respected how my brain processes information. Weekly meetings, guest speakers, and one‑on‑one coaching helped me connect the technical skills to real-world roles.
Graduating from the Cybersecurity Academy was more than finishing a course; With the Academy’s support, I moved into a cybersecurity role where I help protect systems, document processes, and use the exact skills I’ve wanted to demonstrate for so long.