Harford Community College, a National Center of Academic Excellence in cyber defense education, received $52,440 in supplemental funding from the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education program.
During the 12-month project period, the college will use the funds to develop and implement a cyber competition component through a new capstone experience within the Information Assurance and Cybersecurity curriculum. Cyber competitions will help students achieve the practical skills that information security employers need most from graduates. In addition, more associate degree-level students will have the opportunity to take part in applied undergraduate research experiences.
The new on-campus HCC cybersecurity competition will take place during the spring semester and Information Assurance and Cybersecurity students will be able to participate virtually and in person.
Harford will hire a part-time cyber competitions coordinator to establish the infrastructure for managing student participation in competitions and coordinate student participation during the funding period. Professional development will be provided.
HCC’s Hire Harford First ATE project has reformatted two core courses to help produce workforce-ready graduates. The college will explore how hands-on cyber competitions increase students’ competency, provide exposure to an applied undergraduate research experience and motivate students to pursue cyber defense research at four-year institutions and in future employment.
Each year, Harford graduates approximately 60 Information Assurance and Cybersecurity AAS degree and certificate students
For more information about Harford Community College’s Information Assurance and Cybersecurity program, contact David Law, dlaw@harford.edu, 443-412-2264 or Dawn Grissom, dgrissom@harford.edu, 443-412-2364.