Frederick Community College (FCC) announced that it will host a ribbon cutting event on April 24, 2025, to mark the launch of its participation in Maryland’s Cyber Workforce Accelerator (CWA) program.

Established in 2024 by the Maryland Association of Community Colleges (MACC) and BCR Cyber, the CWA provides cyber ranges to all 16 Maryland community colleges for use in both workforce development training and academic programming across the IT and cybersecurity spectrum. A cornerstone of the CWA program is the BCR Cyber Series 3000 Cyber Range, a training system that simulates cyberattacks and introduces students to cybersecurity concepts and operations.

“There is a significant need here in Maryland for skilled IT and cybersecurity professionals,” said Michael Spector, President of BCR Cyber. “Community colleges play a vital role not only in helping meet this need but also in facilitating meaningful employment for jobseekers. We are excited about the launch of the cyber range at FCC and the opportunities it presents.”

Frederick Community College now offers on-site access to this cyber range through dedicated remote workstations. These stations will support curriculum development and course integration within FCC’s cybersecurity and IT programs, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge in a hyper-realistic, engaging environment alongside their peers and professors.

“As we continue to evolve the Cybersecurity and IT programs at FCC,” said James Hatch, Assistant Professor and Faculty Lead for Cybersecurity, “the Cyber Range will form the final level of holistic understanding of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to operate in a security operations center and in cybersecurity analyst positions in general.”

Students across Maryland’s community colleges will now be able to train using real-world tools and practices associated with cybersecurity. Once students complete their studies, the program assists with job placement to help address the state’s urgent need for qualified cyber professionals.

“The Cyber Workforce Accelerator program, with its cutting-edge cyber ranges, will be a game-changer for cybersecurity education in Maryland,” said Brad Phillips, Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Community Colleges. “We are proud to support this initiative at Frederick Community College and its positive impact on students and the state's economy."

“The launch of our new cyber range marks a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing cybersecurity education here at FCC,” added Rebecca Parker, Assistant Professor at FCC. “BCR Cyber provided the equipment and environment to offer our students unparalleled opportunities to simulate real-world cyber threats and develop innovative solutions. By fostering a hands-on learning environment, we aim to equip the next generation of cybersecurity professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to protect our digital infrastructure.”

In addition to its academic applications, the CWA includes a Workforce Development component through BCR Cyber’s SOC Operations Analyst I training and certification. Upon completion of this program, students receive a SOC Operations Analyst I Certification, an industry-recognized credential designed to prepare individuals for entry-level roles in Security Operations Centers (SOCs). This credential aligns with federal cybersecurity standards, industry frameworks, and employer expectations.

BCR Cyber’s training programs blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, enabling participants to apply learning to practical, high-stakes scenarios. To ensure that training reflects current industry standards, BCR Cyber works closely with a public-private consortium of more than 40 strategic partners, who offer ongoing input on hiring needs and evolving threats.

This new cyber range reinforces FCC’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for high-wage, high-demand careers in the region’s fastest-growing industries.

Ribbon Cutting Details
Date: April 24, 2025
Location: C208 & C212
Time: 10 a.m.
Contact: James Hatch at jhatch@frederick.edu or 301.624.2769

Pictured, left to right: Dr. Brad Phillips, Executive Director, Maryland Council of Community College (MACC), Drew Jarbin, Legislative Director, Maryland Council of Community College (MACC), James Hatch, Program Manager, Cybersecurity,  Dr. Anne P. Davis, Provost and Vice President, Teaching, Learning, and Student Success (FCC), Dr. Monica Randall, Deputy Executive Director, Maryland Council of Community College (MACC), Kyle McColgan, Vice President Strategic Initiatives, BCR Cyber


 

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