Northampton Community College was recognized as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity at the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education conference, Atlanta, Ga.

Professor of Information Security in Computer Science Brian Stokes and Dean, Business & Industry Dr. Denise François, accepted the award at the ceremony held in June.

The designation from the National Security Agency, a national-level intelligence agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, acknowledged that the information security program at NCC meets the highest academic standards in preparing students for careers in cybersecurity.

The recognition is, in part, because of the work of the 2019 National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Educational grant NCC used to build a culturally responsive degree program in information security that aligns with students’ life experiences and the skills needed to succeed in the industry.

“This degree program can provide a foundation on which NCC can advance strategies that broaden participation in STEM careers, particularly in the skilled technical workforce,” said François.

The grant, which has been extended to 2023, included a three-year comprehensive plan to attract underrepresented students into the cybersecurity field, focusing on completion, transfer and career placement of students. It will also allow the NCC to leverage the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program, which focuses on diversity and global engagement in the field of information technology.