April 12th, 2025 by WCBC Radio
Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) announced today that it will host a ribbon-cutting event at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, in its Technology Building to mark the launch of its participation in Maryland’s Cyber Workforce Accelerator (CWA) program. The event will begin with remarks in the Vista Lounge above the Technology Building’s main entrance followed by a ribbon cutting in the Hackathon Room.
Established in 2024 by the Maryland Association of Community Colleges and BCR Cyber, the CWA provides cyber ranges to all 16 Maryland community colleges for use in both the program training and community college training across the IT and cybersecurity spectrum. Key to the CWA program is the BCR Cyber Series 3000 Cyber Range, a training system that simulates cyber-attacks and introduces students to cybersecurity concepts and operations.
Allegany College of Maryland will now have access on site to the cyber range using dedicated remote workstations. This access will be used by ACM for cybersecurity curriculum development and course inclusion. Students will now be able to demonstrate their knowledge in a hyper-realistic and stimulating environment alongside both their peers and professors. "Having access to the BCR Cyber Range for instruction represents a transformative opportunity for our students and faculty," said David R. Jones, President of Allegany College of Maryland. "The cyber range enhances our existing IT programs as we prepare a skilled workforce to meet Maryland and our tri-state region’s growing cyber defense needs."
Maryland community college students will now have the opportunity to be trained on the activities and tools associated with cybersecurity in a hyper-realistic environment. Once students complete their studies, the program assists in placing these students in industry jobs while also helping address the urgent needs of Maryland’s cyber workforce. “The Cyber Workforce Accelerator program, with its cutting-edge cyber ranges, will be a game-changer for cybersecurity education in Maryland,” says Brad Phillips, Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Community Colleges. “We are proud to support this initiative at Allegany College of Maryland and its positive impact on its students and the state's economy."
“There is a significant need here in Maryland for skilled IT and cybersecurity professionals. Community colleges play a vital role not only in helping meet this need, but also helping to facilitate meaningful employment for jobseekers,” says Michael Spector, President of BCR Cyber. “We are excited about the launch of the cyber range at Allegany College of Maryland and the opportunities it presents.”
In addition to the academic component of the CWA, MACC and BCR Cyber offer a Workforce Development component which consists of BCR Cyber’s SOC Operations Analyst I training and certification. Upon completion of the Workforce Development program, students will receive a SOC Operations Analyst I Certification, an Industry-Recognized Credential designed to prepare individuals for entry-level Security Operations Center (SOC) roles. The certification aligns with federal government standards, industry frameworks, and employer requirements to ensure candidates are prepared for real-world cybersecurity challenges.
BCR Cyber training programs combine theoretical knowledge with real-world scenarios, enabling participants to apply their learning to practical situations. To ensure training programs are aligned with today’s cybersecurity industry standards, BCR Cyber created a public-private consortium of more than 40 strategic industry partners. Together, this consortium provides BCR Cyber with valuable guidance on industry requirements and needs.
