Dec. 14, 2023
Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) is one of seven colleges nationwide – and the only community college – chosen to be part of a coalition led by Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) to address the cybersecurity talent shortage.
The program seeks to support former military service members and first responders with transitioning into high-demand civilian cybersecurity careers. Qualifying and selected students receive funding for tuition and fees up to $5,000 and are paired with mentors to help prepare them for cybersecurity careers.
“This is a great opportunity for veterans and first responders to put their previously acquired skills to work in the field of governance, risk and compliance, and learn cybersecurity foundational and technical skills,” said Mary Wallingsford, associate professor in the Cybersecurity, Networking and Digital Forensics department at AACC. “We’re very excited about the opportunity this will bring these students, allowing them to pivot to a rewarding and challenging new career in the cyber field.”
There are 25 open slots in AACC’s program. The application deadline is rolling until all scholarships have been awarded.
RIT is leading the program and is backed by $2.5 million in funding from the National Security Agency. The six other coalition institutions chosen are University at Albany, Louisiana State University, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, Iowa State University, Norfolk State University and University of North Florida.
To apply or for information on the program at AACC, visit the scholarship page. For information on the scholarship itself, visit the RIT news page. For information on the coalition, visit the group's webpage.