FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2025
Media Contacts:
Jazmine Steele, Senior Writer
Prince George’s Community College
Steelejt@pgcc.edu
Samantha E. McCoy, Assistant Director of Communications
Prince George’s Community College
Mccoyse@pgcc.edu
Largo, MD (April 10, 2025) - Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) hosted a ribbon-cutting event to mark the launch of its participation in Maryland’s Cyber Workforce Accelerator (CWA) program today.
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 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 cyberattacks and introduces students to cybersecurity concepts and operations.
Prince George’s Community College will now have access on-site to the cyber range using dedicated remote workstations. This access will be used by Prince George’s Community College 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.
“At Prince George’s Community College, we are committed to empowering our students with the skills and resources needed to thrive in today’s ever-evolving technology landscape,” Dr. Falecia D. Williams, president of PGCC, said. “The ribbon-cutting of the BCR Cyber Center marks a significant milestone in our partnership with Maryland’s Cyber Workforce Accelerator (CWA) program. This initiative provides critical access to cutting-edge cyber ranges that will enhance our ability to train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.”
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 PGCC 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 PGCC 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.
“Collaborations like these are essential to building strong pathways for our students, preparing them to tackle the complex challenges of the digital age,” Dr. Williams said. “We are proud to be part of a program that not only strengthens our College’s mission to provide affordable, high-quality education but also aligns with our commitment to developing a skilled, diverse workforce that will drive innovation and security in the future.”
For more information about BCR Cyber, visit www.bcrcyber.com.
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About Prince George’s Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2022-2027), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skill sets, PGCC comprises students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 25,000 individuals annually, the College is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enable PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands.
For more information, visit the College’s website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George’s Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org.
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education.
Prince George’s Community College’s Nondiscrimination Statement affirms the College’s commitment to comply with all applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws..
About the Maryland Association of Community Colleges
Maryland Association of Community Colleges (MACC) is an advocate for Maryland’s 16 community colleges and the needs of the students they serve. State-of-the-art facilities, flexible curricula, and award-winning teaching staff serve full- and part-time students pursuing academic degrees, career certifications, and enrichment courses at 22 campuses and 1000+ learning sites statewide.
About BCR Cyber
Established in 2017, BCR Cyber (formerly Baltimore Cyber Range) is dedicated to delivering exceptional training solutions to both government and commercial clients. BCR Cyber has trained thousands of individuals and successfully placed over 83 percent into employment. The BCR Cyber Range is the first such facility in the world specifically dedicated to workforce development in the cybersecurity sector. BCR Cyber provides trainees with the most advanced cybersecurity strategies and techniques in an environment that simulates real threats in real-time. The range's hands-on training encompasses cyber threat detection, compromise mitigation, and system remediation and is complemented by placement services. For more information, visit www.bcrcyber.com.