INVER HILLS LAUNCHES NEW CYBER SECURITY COMPETITION AND WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM Competition trains students, veterans, and jobseekers in field of cybersecurity [Inver Grove Heights] — [Sept. 18, 2013] — Addressing the rising need for IT and cyber security professionals in Minnesota and across the country, Inver Hills Community College today launched the Minnesota Cyber Aces State Championships, an online, cyber security education and training program. Minnesota is one of six states hosting Cyber Aces, with over 6500 people having participated in the program nationwide previously. “I am pleased to announce that Inver Hills Community College is partnering with Cyber Aces on an exciting program to identify and develop new talent in cybersecurity,” said Minnesota State Colleges & Universities Chancellor Steven Rosenstone. “Cybersecurity represents both a challenge and an opportunity. It’s an issue with tremendous national security implications and a field with unmet demand for high paying jobs. To address the increasing threats from cyberspace, we need to recruit students from all walks of life into this fast growing and important field.” “This is a great opportunity to introduce students to the world of cybersecurity,” said Kevin Gyolai, dean of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) at Inver Hills. “And Inver Hills is well positioned to host the competition.” IHCC is one of approximately 15 community colleges across the nation designated by the Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence for its cybersecurity program. The college’s program is also recognized by MnSCU as part of a Center of Academic Excellence. Students, veterans and jobseekers will compete in the MN Cyber Aces State Championship at Inver Hills CC. Designed to provide education and cyberskills training through a series of free, online tutorials and competitive assessments, the program is run by the nonprofit organization Cyber Aces. “Similar to our shortage of fighter pilots at the start of World War II, now we have a critical shortage of skilled cyber defenders,” said Cyber Aces Founder Alan Paller. “And like the pilot training programs of that era, Cyber Aces initiatives like this state championship are how we will create the specialists we need.” All high school and college students, veterans and jobseekers in Minnesota are eligible to take a shot at earning an invitation to the championship. At the championship event, Minnesotans from across the state will come together, compete to win top honors, and earn college scholarships to nationally recognized cybersecurity programs right here in Minnesota. Top competitors will also have the opportunity to interact with representatives from some of the top cybersecurity employers in Minnesota. “This will be the first hacking showdown we’ve ever hosted,” said Inver Hills CC Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM) Dean Kevin Gyolai “We’re proud to provide a place where the state’s top undiscovered tech talent can test its skills in safety, among friends and mentors.” Registration is free and open to all state residents at cyberaces.org. It closes on October 15th, 2013. About Inver Hills Inver Hills, a leader in liberal arts education in the south metro, also offers regionally and nationally recognized programs in computer networking, health care, and other community-based career fields. Founded in 1970, the college serves diverse populations while actively soliciting input from industry advisors, engaging students in experiential learning, and addressing Minnesota’s 21st-century workforce needs. More than 50 degree and certificate options—including A.A., A.F.A., A.S., and A.A.S.—prepare students for employment or permit them to continue their educations through transfer to four-year institutions. About Cyber Aces The Cyber Aces Foundation discovers talent and builds a pathway to critical cybersecurity jobs. The foundation challenges students, veterans and jobseekers with competitions, develops their abilities with cybersecurity education and prepares them for cybersecurity careers. It is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more, visit cyberaces.org.
Posted on: Tue, 24 Sep 2013 21:02:31 +0000
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