JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – As technology continues to advance, experts said that pushing innovation, filling job vacancies and protective American values must happen in order to stay ahead.

Harry Coker, Jr., the White House National Cyber Director, met with students and administrators at Hinds Community College in Raymond on Monday.

“Cybersecurity is not an issue that any one entity can challenge and can address adequately. The federal government cannot solve it by itself. But what we saw here in the Jackson area is what’s in the Ecosystem Toolkit. It’s collaborating, not competing, but complementing and collaborating,” he said.

During the event, the Ecosystem Toolkit was unveiled. It’s a collaborative effort between Hinds Community College, Tougaloo College and Jackson State University. Leaders said introducing the digital world to K-12 students can help fill the gap, as well.

“Actually, I’m the only person in our delegation who voted to have internet access to every home in the state of Mississippi. And I only represent 25% of the state. But I know how valuable that is to every community,” said U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.).

Federal officials hope to fill the vacant jobs in cyber security across the country.