Community College of Beaver County Secures NSF Grant to Enhance Cybersecurity Education
The Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) has recently made headlines by securing a substantial grant of $473,491 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) under its Advanced Technological Education program. This funding is set to play a pivotal role in training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals while simultaneously expanding the college’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs.
A Focus on Cybersecurity
The grant will specifically support CCBC’s ACCESS: Creating Pathways to Advance Cybersecurity Career Education for STEM Success program. This initiative aims to address the growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals in the workforce. With cybersecurity threats on the rise, the need for well-trained individuals in this field has never been more critical. The ACCESS program is designed to ensure that underserved youths have access to high-quality STEM education, thereby accelerating their entry into rewarding careers.
Launching the Cybersecurity High School Academy
One of the most exciting developments stemming from this grant is the launch of a new Cybersecurity High School Academy, set to begin this fall. Building on the success of its existing high school academy model, CCBC aims to provide students with a robust foundation in cybersecurity principles and practices. This initiative will not only equip students with essential skills but also inspire them to pursue further education and careers in this vital field.
Supporting Student Success
The ACCESS program is committed to creating a supportive learning environment for students. It will offer a variety of resources, including peer tutoring, employment opportunities as teaching assistants, and need-based stipends. Additionally, the program will provide vouchers to cover the costs of textbooks and certification exams, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder students’ educational journeys. By investing in these resources, CCBC is taking significant steps to foster academic success and career readiness among its students.
Workforce Development Initiatives
In addition to preparing students for immediate employment, the ACCESS program will also focus on providing low-cost workforce development opportunities for alumni, cybersecurity professionals, community college faculty, and K-12 educators. A key component of this initiative is the Penetration Testing Pro-Series, which will offer advanced training and certification in penetration testing—a critical skill in the cybersecurity landscape. This approach not only enhances the skill set of current students but also contributes to the ongoing professional development of educators and industry professionals.
Collaboration and Future Opportunities
CCBC is among 12 community colleges selected to participate in the FORCE-ATE workshop scheduled for June 2024. This workshop aims to mentor institutions in pursuing Advanced Technological Education grants, further enhancing accessibility to diverse educational pathways in cybersecurity. The college’s academic plan, known as Titan Pathways to Success, aligns seamlessly with this initiative, addressing the urgent cybersecurity workforce shortage in the United States.
Conclusion
The Community College of Beaver County’s recent grant from the National Science Foundation marks a significant step forward in enhancing cybersecurity education and expanding STEM opportunities for underserved youths. Through innovative programs like the Cybersecurity High School Academy and comprehensive support for students, CCBC is poised to make a lasting impact on the future of cybersecurity professionals. As the demand for skilled workers in this field continues to grow, initiatives like ACCESS will play a crucial role in shaping a well-prepared workforce ready to tackle the challenges of the digital age.