The cybersecurity industry faces a persistent talent gap, with entry-level job postings frequently requiring 1-2 years of experience—an impossible hurdle for many students who struggle to secure internships during their academic careers. At San Jacinto College, we address this challenge head-on with our student-embedded Security Operations Center (SOC), a model designed to provide hands-on, real-world experience that prepares students to be job-ready from day one. This presentation will explore how the student-embedded SOC serves as an innovative workforce development solution, offering students direct exposure to threat monitoring, incident response, and SOC operations under the guidance of industry professionals. Attendees will learn how this model accelerates skill acquisition, aligns with employer expectations, and equips graduates with the practical expertise to fill critical cybersecurity roles immediately upon entering the workforce. This approach closes the experience gap and develops a pipeline of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals who can make an impact from their first day on the job. Attendees will also get a glimpse into the future initiatives of the student-embedded SOC to become a Regional SOC supporting the Gulf Coast region. 1. Identify areas where cybersecurity operations can align with higher education objectives. 2. Inspire DIR members to collaborate with higher education institutions to create pipelines for students from college to enter the industry and fill critical cybersecurity roles. 3. Inspire non-higher education state agencies to get involved in higher education institutions in their regions to provide students with industry knowledge and experience through adjunct opportunities.