The Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) launched a new initiative on Thursday with Huntsville City Schools in Alabama to provide strategic support to the school system’s Cyber Academy.
The initiative is part of a three-year, $300,000 commitment, with SAIC providing cyber professionals who will contribute their expertise to enhance cyber curriculum and programs for the district.
“SAIC is committed to the development of our nation’s future cyber workforce,” John Gully, senior vice president for market strategy and investments at SAIC, said. “Their education is vital to the success of companies like ours that work to counter cyber security threats.”
As part of the Cyber Academy, students may also earn college credits and certifications from the University of Alabama in Huntsville through the affiliated College Academy.
Huntsville City Schools was selected as one of the first CyberPatriot Centers of Excellence in the southeast region and has worked extensively with local educational institutions to support cyber training for teachers and provide mentorship programs. The program will allow for enhanced development, assessment and implementation of education programs for the next generation of cyber workers.
“The collaboration between SAIC and Huntsville City Schools demonstrates the commitment to workforce development efforts that will prepare our students for careers in the cyber security field,” Casey Wardynski, superintendent for Huntsville City Schools, said. “Both Huntsville City Schools and SAIC are focused on workforce readiness and this opportunity will allow the school district to serve as the Center of Excellence for Cyber in K12 Education.”