Cecil College to host ribbon cutting for state-of-the-art Cyber Range Training Program
Published on March 26, 2025
NORTH EAST, MD: Cecil College is proud to announce that it will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 17, at 2 p.m. to mark the launch of its participation in Maryland’s Cyber Workforce Accelerator (CWA) program. This ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Cecil College’s North East Campus, located at One Seahawk Drive, in the Technology Building, Room D320.
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 the 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 cyber-attacks and introduces students to cybersecurity concepts and operations.
Cecil College will now have access on site to the cyber range using dedicated remote workstations. This access will be used by Cecil 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.
Cecil College President Dr. Mary Way Bolt reinforces her commitment to advancing cybersecurity education. “The cybersecurity program has been re-designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the NSA and DHS, reflecting the institution’s dedication to preparing students for critical roles in cybersecurity. This dedication aligns with the goals of the Cyber Workforce Accelerator program, which aims to equip students with practical cybersecurity skills through advanced training environments.”
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 Cecil College 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 Cecil College 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.
For more information about BCR Cyber, visit www.bcrcyber.com.
About Cecil College
Located in Cecil County, Md., Cecil College continues to be a catalyst for the region’s economic growth and enhanced quality of life. The College has a diverse student population, with approximately 2,200 credit students and 2,400 non-credit students, and includes campuses in North East and Elkton. Cecil offers 70+ associate degrees, certificate programs, and non-credit classes. Noteworthy distinctions include the designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Cecil College is a Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference member in all sports and competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association. The College fields men’s baseball, basketball, and soccer; and women’s basketball, softball, and volleyball. To learn more about Cecil College, please visit www.cecil.edu.
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.