Issue link: http://howardcc.uberflip.com/i/891007
" Companies are looking for strong, skilled professionals who can build and protect the technology they use to run their businesses, or the technologies that they offer their customers. We are working hard to make those professionals available." – Rose Volynskiy, HCC chair of cyber technology program Companies are looking for Companies are looking for Companies are looking for Companies are looking for Companies are looking for Companies are looking for " Companies are looking for the technology they use to who can build and protect the technology they use to who can build and protect the technology they use to who can build and protect the technology they use to who can build and protect the technology they use to who can build and protect the technology they use to who can build and protect the technology they use to run their businesses, or the technologies that they offer run their businesses, or the technologies that they offer run their businesses, or the technologies that they offer run their businesses, or the technologies that they offer run their businesses, or the technologies that they offer run their businesses, or the technologies that they offer run their businesses, or the technologies that they offer working hard to make those working hard to make those working hard to make those professionals available." working hard to make those working hard to make those working hard to make those professionals available." working hard to make those professionals available." , HCC chair of cyber , HCC chair of cyber , HCC chair of cyber , HCC chair of cyber technology program Rose Volynskiy technology program Rose Volynskiy technology program Rose Volynskiy technology program "This is a place where I can gain experience and expand my expertise in order to advance my career in the field of computer science," she says. Rodgers is just one of hundreds of students currently taking classes at HCC who can attest to the quality and value of its cyber technology program, recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Seeing the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals continuing to increase in the local market, the college has invested in strengthening its program to educate a new generation of students for the workforce. To meet the demand, the college prepares students who have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences—from older students who want a career change to younger students still in high school. "In today's world, technology touches everyone and everything, even in ways that you don't necessarily think about. It's what we use to program the refrigerators and thermostats in our homes. It operates many systems in the cars we drive. It gives us access to our rooms when we check into hotels," said Rose Volynskiy, chair Howard Tech Council and the Maryland Center for Entrepreneurship are two examples of local programs that we partner with to help our students find real-world opportunities, internships, and eventually jobs." Originally a math major at a four-year college, Andrew Valliere decided to follow his heart, change his major, and enroll at HCC to pursue an associate degree in cybersecurity. In the classroom, he has gained theoretical knowledge, as well as practical, hands-on skills. Out of the classroom, he has taken advantage of the many resources available to help students get a degree and a job. of HCC's cyber technology program. "Companies are looking for strong, skilled professionals who can build and protect the technology they use to run their businesses, or the technologies that they offer their customers. We are working hard to make those professionals available." As a recipient of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant, the college has been able to expand the number and diversity of its cyber and information technology programs over the past three years. This national grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor, has supplied 14 colleges in Maryland with funding, and is structured to move people from career fields that are lacking opportunities into new industries that are thriving, evolving, and have high demand for new talent. Since 2014, more than $1.1 million has been allocated to HCC, supporting students who are pursuing various programs in the cyber technology department, and promoting the wealth of opportunities that exist in the field. This investment is resulting in growth in enrollment and completion of these programs. In the last three years, the number of students taking cybersecurity and IT-related courses has increased by 26 percent. "With the grant funding we've received, HCC has been able to upgrade and refine our curriculum, make new investments in lab equipment, hire more instructors, and deploy a career navigation team that focuses on building relationships in the community that will give our students exposure," said Tiffany Goins, project manager for the TAACCCT grant. "The 26% increase in HCC students taking cybersecurity and IT-related courses in the last 3 years Andrew Valliere, Cybersecurity Student Ayodeji Adedeji, Cybersecurity Student 8 Howard Community College