Governor Pat McCrory congratulated North Carolina A&T State University for being awarded a $1.6 million U.S. Department of Energy grant dedicated to cybersecurity research and education. NC A&T is one of 13 historically black colleges and universities that will participate in a five-year, $25 million program to create a pipeline of cybersecurity professionals.
“I’m proud to see NC A&T recognized as a national leader in the fight against cyber crime,” said Governor McCrory. “It’s important for our universities and their students to develop the skills that are needed to protect against cyberthreats and keep the next generation of technology talent here in North Carolina.”
The funding will allow NC A&T to expand its master’s and doctoral programs in computer science and provide financial support for students. A&T students will partner with other educational institutions and two national laboratories to study the nation’s pressing cybersecurity challenges, including privacy and identity protection.
“There is a growing need for cyber security professionals in the technology industry,” said State Chief Information Officer Chris Estes. “As North Carolina works to close a skills gap in the workforce, A&T students are developing expertise that will continue to be in high demand.”
The NC Office of Information Technology Services established an agreement with NC A&T in 2014 that will provide students with hands-on experience in STEM fields and help them develop careers in the IT industry. See the White House press release for more information about the Department of Energy grant.