Allen University is expanding cybersecurity studies for its students and into the community as part of a $25 million grant program through the federal energy department.
Officials with the historically black university are developing new courses and programs to fill future jobs geared to fight online privacy breaches in government, education and the private sector.
“From the National Nuclear Security Administration perspective, there is no pipeline in general at the moment for people, especially minorities, for careers in this area,” said Michelle Young, director of grants with Allen University “Technology is changing so much. We are being reactive at this point; NSSA wants to be proactive and outthink the hackers and criminals out there.”
The university joined several other colleges and public school systems to formthe Cybersecurity Workforce Pipeline Consortium. The five-year $25 million grant program will target students at all levels to encourage careers in cybersecurity.
“Allen University is looking at the role of the HBCU in the 21st century, and sees that it’s moving toward making sure all of our programs can be successful bridges to careers for our students to serve the needs in our community,” said Charlene Spearen, interim vice president of academic affairs at Allen University.
The university will offer minor concentrations this fall in cybersecurity within the math department and information assurance in the business department. The courses will focus on the fundamentals of computer science including networking, ethics and policy, according to Young.
Students who have expressed an interested in computer science and can demonstrate a financial need will be selected for 10 scholarships worth $6,000 per year to pursue their studies. A professor who specializes in cybersecurity also will be hired, Young said.
Young said Allen University likely will offer a full computer science major with a concentration in cybersecurity within the next two years.
High school students in Columbia will have a chance this summer to explore a career in cybersecurity through a five-day workshop. The university will host a STEM camp next summer for middle and high schoolers on cybersecurity.
Two students from Allen University also are completing internships at the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Livermore National Labs in California, according to Young.
“We’re looking to have minorities that are prepared for careers and those who can think critically,” she said.
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