The centers responsible for educating the next generation of cyber warriors this month reached a significant milestone as they marked two decades of being operational.
The National Security Agency launched the Centers of Academic Excellence designation program in May 1999 to reduce vulnerability in U.S. national information infrastructure by promoting higher education in cybersecurity and cultivating cyber professionals, NSA said in a May 30 announcement.
CAE-designated schools adhere to stringent requirements for cybersecurity curriculum and faculty, and are committed to cyber education outreach in their communities and developing the profession.
Initially, seven universities were designated as CAE schools; today, regionally accredited community colleges, technical schools, state, or federally endorsed training centers can also earn a CAE designation.
As the program continues to expand, “the focus remains on promoting higher education and research in cyber defense to produce professionals that are prepared to solve tomorrow’s problems,” NSA said.