by Staff Writer
Carroll Community College officially unveiled its new Cyber Range training program on November 4, giving students access to a state-of-the-art training environment designed to prepare them for careers in cybersecurity and information technology. The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew local and state officials, industry leaders, and members of the college community.
The Cyber Range is part of Maryland’s Cyber Workforce Accelerator (CWA) program, a statewide initiative created in 2024 by the Maryland Association of Community Colleges in partnership with BCR Cyber. The program equips all 16 community colleges in the state with hands-on cyber training systems that simulate real-world cyberattacks.
“Today marks more than a celebratory opening of the Cyber Range, it reinforces the College’s commitment to preparing our students and our region for the future of cybersecurity, technology, and workforce innovation,” said Dr. Rose Mince, President of Carroll Community College.
Carroll students will now have access to the BCR Cyber Series 3000 Cyber Range through dedicated remote workstations. This platform allows learners to experience realistic cyber scenarios alongside peers and instructors, merging classroom lessons with practical application. The program also helps students transition into industry positions, addressing Maryland’s growing need for skilled cybersecurity professionals.
Brad Phillips, Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Community Colleges, emphasized the program’s statewide impact: “The Cyber Workforce Accelerator program, with its cutting-edge cyber ranges, will be a game-changer for cybersecurity education in Maryland. We are proud to support this initiative at Carroll and its positive impact on its students and the state’s economy.”
The event also highlighted student success stories. Ed Ngere, President of Carroll’s Cybersecurity Student Club, recently took first place in a regional cybersecurity competition. His achievement illustrates the level of talent the College is cultivating and the benefits of hands-on learning opportunities like the Cyber Range.
Michael Spector, President of BCR Cyber, noted the broader significance of such programs: “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 in helping to facilitate meaningful employment for job seekers. We are excited about the launch of the cyber range at Carroll and the opportunities it presents.”
Matt Day, Program Director of Cybersecurity, Computer Science, and Computer Information Systems at Carroll, highlighted the educational value: “The cyber range training provided through the Cyber Workforce Accelerator grant is the perfect supplement to the in-classroom curriculum that our students receive in our program.”
BCR Cyber’s training approach blends theory with practical exercises, guided by input from a consortium of more than 40 industry partners. This ensures that students are learning skills that meet the current standards and needs of the cybersecurity workforce.
With the new Cyber Range, Carroll Community College positions itself at the forefront of experiential cybersecurity education, preparing students to enter a rapidly expanding and increasingly critical field.
