Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced on September 30, 2024, that Corning Community College has been awarded $200,000 in federal funding to enhance its cybersecurity education and training programs. The grant, part of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) investment in the Cyber ACCESS (Appalachian Community Colleges Eco-System Sustainability) project, aims to strengthen the college’s ability to train future cybersecurity professionals in the Southern Tier.
“Cybersecurity is one of the most important fields in today’s economy, and I am proud to see Corning Community College receiving the resources needed to prepare students for these jobs,” said Congressman Langworthy. “This investment will create opportunities for local students and help our region meet the growing demand for cybersecurity experts. It’s a win for the college and for our broader community as we continue to build a skilled workforce in the Southern Tier.”
Boosting cybersecurity education
The funding is part of a larger $10 million investment by ARC in the Cyber ACCESS initiative, which involves 30 community colleges across 13 states in the Appalachian region. The initiative will support 1,500 participants, 250 trainers, and 32 businesses by providing cybersecurity training and events. It will also develop pathways for credentials in fields like AWS, Cisco, CompTIA, and Microsoft, helping to fill the gaps in the cybersecurity workforce.
Corning Community College President Dr. William P. Mullaney expressed excitement about the opportunities this grant will provide. “This grant will empower Corning Community College to expand our capacity to deliver cutting-edge cybersecurity education, strengthen partnerships across the region, and ensure that our students are well-prepared to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field,” Mullaney said.
Regional economic growth
The Cyber ACCESS initiative is funded through ARC’s Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE), which aims to promote regional economic transformation through collaborative, multi-state efforts. By supporting cybersecurity education, the initiative is helping to drive economic growth and build capacity in the Appalachian region.
For Corning Community College, this grant represents an opportunity to expand its reach and impact in the Southern Tier while contributing to a growing national need for cybersecurity professionals. The college’s participation in the project will create new pathways to employment for its students and bolster the region’s economic resilience.
For more information on the Cyber ACCESS initiative and Corning Community College’s programs, visit the college’s website or contact their STEM department.
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