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  • Cybersecurity

Detect & Protect: Cybersecurity

Choose BC3 to pursue your career in securing networks against cybercrime.

Prepare for employment in a career field that is crucial to infrastructure by supporting and protecting sensitive data and systems. BC3 is a partner in the Pennsylvania Community College Consortium Cooperative Agreement led by Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The consortium is emphasizing cybersecurity education through the use of a U.S. Department of Defense grant and is charged with increasing students' completion rates in certification programs and the rates of students transferring to senior institutions. 

BC3 will use a portion of the grant to fund new students' application fees, financial awards, professional certification boot camps and examinations, and selected textbooks and software.

SECURE THE FUTURE

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According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the projected change in employment through 2032 for information security analysts is 32 percent and regarded as much faster than average.

“The U.S. Department of Defense knows we need more trained, skilled workers in the area of cybersecurity.”

-- Les Graves, BC3 associate professor, coordinator of networking & cybersecurity program

BC3's computer technology programs prepare you for careers in networking and cybersecurity, computer science, programming, support and website development.

CHOOSE BC3!

Image: BC3 students in a computer lab classroom working on desktop computers

Interested in pursuing a career securing networks against cybercrime?

View our programs that emphasize cybersecurity education:

FINANCIAL AWARDS & FREE CERTIFICATIONS

BC3 will fund financial awards, boot camps and professional certification examinations for eligible students enrolled in cybersecurity education programs.

Enrolled this spring? Apply for a $500 grand-funded financial award!

Application is currently closed.

Image: portrait photo of a female student smiling with a desktop computer behind her on a desk

“As an 18-year-old college student, I am tight on money, and I felt as if a large weight was lifted off my shoulders when I received the financial award. It is helping me to work a bit less and focus even more on what I am learning in my classes.” 

-- Shannon Schultz, BC3 website development specialist student

Free certification examinations available: Learn how to earn credentials that stand out on your resume.
Image: portrait photo of a male student sitting in a computer lab with a desktop computer to his left

“I benefit the most from the CompTIA certification exams that they are paying for us. The certification proves that you know what you are doing, and employers love to see it on a resume. Not only that, but they are not cheap, and it gives us a free shot at taking it with no repercussions.” 

-- Nathan McGowan, BC3 networking & cybersecurity student

 

What is CompTIA?

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) provides industry-leading certifications for tech professionals working in a wide range of technology topics, including cybersecurity.

How does the certification process work?

  1. Pass the TestOut Network Pro Certification exam. This is given as the final exam in the associate degree program's networking II course.
  2. Enroll in BC3's new 40-hour, remote-format boot camp. Students in the grant-funded boot camps will learn about network fundamentals, network operations, network security, network implementation and troubleshooting.
  3. Complete five practice tests. These tests with a total of 1,200 questions will prepare students for the nationally recognized Computing Technology Industry Association professional certification examinations in Network+ or in Security+. 
  4. Receive a voucher. Students who complete the boot camp will be provided with the grant-funded vouchers to finance the cost of the CompTIA examinations that are not part of BC3’s curriculum in networking and cybersecurity. 


ACCOLADES & NEWS

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“The award has allowed me to invest in computer repair tools and components that I otherwise would not have been able to acquire. These purchases have helped me gain a practical understanding of computer systems and the tools needed to maintain and repair them.”  

-- Victor M. Garrido, BC3 computer science student

 
Zachary Witty, BC3 networking and cybersecurity student and recipient of U.S. Dept. of Defense grant-funded financial award

“The teaching staff is extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the field. They make it a joy to come in to class.” 

— Zachary Witty, BC3 networking & cybersecurity student

 

$400K grant to benefit BC3 networking and cybersecurity students

10 BC3 students receive financial awards funded by Dept. of Defense

Financial awards to increase for BC3 networking and cybersecurity students

ACCREDITATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

accreditation council for business schools and programs logoBC3's Business & Information Technology Division is nationally accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs for the offering of all business programs that culminate in the associate of science or associate of applied science degrees.

 

PA Community College Consortium Cooperative AgreementBC3 is a partner in the Pennsylvania Community College Consortium Cooperative Agreement (PC4A) with the goal of supporting and strengthening the cybersecurity workforce in the United States as part of a U.S. Department of Defense grant.

 

Department of Defense DoD STEM
The PC4A Project is proudly funded by the U.S. Department of Defense. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of Naval Research. 

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