The Security Industry Association (SIA) announced a commitment to grow its outreach to Native American and indigenous communities beginning in 2024, including expanding access to SIA services and programs such as its training, scholarship and mentorship offerings.

In an expansion of its diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) and workforce development efforts, and working with its industry partners, SIA said it is making a concerted effort to engage with Native American communities, which have historically faced isolation, higher unemployment and poverty rates than the general population, challenges accessing quality education and jobs and other barriers to economic opportunity.

As part of this initiative, SIA will expand eligibility for and access to programs such as its Security Project Management (SPM) training, SIA RISE community for emerging leaders, SIA Women in Security Forum community, scholarship programs through RISE and WISF, the Security Systems Technician Apprenticeship Program, the Talent Inclusion Mentorship Education (TIME) program and SIA’s Security Cornerstones Learning Series.

“SIA is proud to be a leader in workforce development and DE&I in the security industry, and we are excited to build on these efforts with a commitment to conducting strong outreach to Native American communities and fostering collaboration between our industry and indigenous populations,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “By expanding access and eligibility for key training, mentorship, scholarship and learning offerings, as well as through demonstrating career pathways in security, we hope to help individuals in these communities better prepare to venture into the workforce and find valuable opportunities in a thriving and growing industry while cultivating the next-generation security workforce.”

As part of the new initiative, and in collaboration with SIA members, including Clear Cloud Solutions and i-PRO, and industry stakeholders, SIA plans to offer its SPM training to Native American communities in 2024 as well as conduct a listening session to better understand community needs and interests and potential industry involvement.

“I am extremely excited and appreciative of the unwavering support and dedication demonstrated by both SIA and i-PRO towards this crucial initiative,” said Daren Masten, president of Clear Cloud Solutions. “As a Native American who grew up on a reservation, I have a personal and intimate understanding of the challenges and roadblocks that exist for young Native Americans, particularly those from our nation’s often remote and logistically challenged tribal lands.”

Masten continued, “My personal journey has been marked by obstacles, and I am acutely aware that without the guidance and support of mentors committed to nurturing my potential, the establishment and successful operation of a security systems integration enterprise might have remained an unrealized dream.”

The collaborative efforts with Clear Cloud to extend mentorship programs and career pathways “to the immensely capable and talented Native American community” will encompass future technicians, engineers, operators and business luminaries, he said.

“SIA has been a proven trailblazer at the forefront of leading initiatives that support women and those in underdeveloped communities. Teaming up with i-PRO, a proven company with a great passion for helping others, and i-PRO President Bill Brennan holds immense promise in providing significant opportunities to Native Americans throughout the country,” Masten said.

Through a strategic partnership with the Hoopa Valley Tribe — a federally recognized tribal entity sitting on an 85,445-acre reservation in Humboldt County, Calif. — Clear Cloud has committed to developing programs that stimulate workforce development. Recently, Hoopa was successfully awarded funding through National Telecommunications and Information Administration grants participation. In cooperation, Clear Cloud is supporting the BICSI organization for a technical training program that seeks to educate eight to 12 tribal members and create sustainable employment on and off the reservation in pathways within telecommunications, networks and security industries and offer subsequent on-the-job training. Additionally, Clear Cloud collaborates with the Native Hawaiian Organizations Association to continuously brainstorm on a fresh curriculum that moves the needle, according to SIA’s announcement.

“When I first met Daren Masten, I was very impressed with the business model of his company, Clear Cloud Solutions,” said i-PRO Americas President Bill Brennan. “As we talked, I became even more impressed and moved by Daren’s journey. Growing up on a reservation in northern California, Daren overcame many obstacles and challenges, primarily through the mentorship and guidance of key role models. His commitment to giving back to the community is inspiring. Through my involvement with SIA, I felt that this was something they would be excited to support."

Brennan continued, "Thanks to CEO Don Erickson and Board of Directors Chair James Rothstein’s leadership, SIA is an organization that embraces opportunities to impact lives in a positive way, and I am so fortunate to be involved. They jumped at the opportunity to take Daren’s efforts to a higher level, and we at i-PRO stand ready to support the growth of individuals.”