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Sinclair Receives National Science Foundation Grant to Train Cybersecurity Professionals

Sinclair Community College has received a federal grant award of nearly one million dollars from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant money will support the Community College Accelerated CyberCorp Pilot Program, a project initiated by the NSF to help strengthen cybersecurity education programs and improve the security of information technology across the country.

“Sinclair is committed to remaining at the forefront of meeting the changing needs of local, national and international employers,” said Sinclair President Steve Johnson. “Our existing Cybersecurity program is recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. As we become more dependent on technology, it is also important to be aware of cybersecurity threats and the risks that come along with it. We are thrilled that Sinclair has been awarded this grant as the lead community college. Sinclair will help support NSF’s efforts on developing a qualified workforce that will protect our nation’s networks and information systems. It is also great that Dayton is home to Wright-Patterson's National Air and Space Intelligence Center who is a potential local employer for graduates from this program. ”

The goal of this pilot project is to increase the number of highly qualified cybersecurity professionals in government positions. Sinclair will partner with Brookdale Community College (NJ) and Moraine Valley Community College (IL). The project will implement several successful adult learning practices: cohort learning, experiential learning, competency-based education, and one-on-one, holistic student support.

The NSF initiated CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service (SFS) Program provides funding to institutions so that they can award students enrolled in cybersecurity related programs with scholarships. In return, upon completion, students must work for the government for a period of time that matches the length of their education program. As required by NSF, eligible students will be veterans with Bachelor degrees, veterans without Bachelor degrees, or and non-veterans with Bachelor degrees.

Sinclair is recognized as a local and national leader in delivering high quality and affordable higher education. One of the oldest and best-known community colleges in the nation, Sinclair was founded in 1887 by David A. Sinclair and is a board member of the prestigious League for Innovation in the Community College. Sinclair offers nearly 253 accredited degrees and certificates.