HARRISBURG, PA – In conjunction with Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) will hold its annual Cybersecurity Summit on October 2–3. The theme for this year is, “Our Journey Together: Collaborating to Mitigate Cyber Risk.” This is a hybrid event; join us in-person at Harrisburg University or online from anywhere in the world.
Harrisburg University thanks the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (COPA), the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP), and Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit 16 for joining with us to make this event as impactful as possible.
Registration is underway for this exciting event, coinciding with National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and representing the forefront of innovation and collaboration in cybersecurity and national defense.
Past Cybersecurity Summits have brought together hundreds of thought leaders, security experts from state and local government, federal agencies, K–12 school districts, higher education, and technology pioneers from the private sector. Their collective expertise will guide attendees through the complexities of cybersecurity and offer dynamic discussions, exploration of cutting-edge solutions, and the formation of strategic partnerships.
“This hybrid event is focused on collaborative solutions to mitigate cyber risks,” said Dr. Bruce Young, Instructor and Program Lead of Cybersecurity. “Harrisburg University supports advancing cybersecurity workforce development, diversity, and education access. The Cybersecurity Summit complements national efforts like HU’s CAE-CD designation and our focus on workforce diversity and development as we prepare the next generation of cybersecurity experts. To support this effort, the NSA designated Harrisburg University a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, recognizing its high-quality, hands-on cybersecurity programs.”
A highlight of the summit will be the Cyber Connections event, where attendees will engage with top-tier cybersecurity organizations and have opportunities to elevate their career. This Cyber Connections event is a gateway to a multitude of job possibilities and an important stepping stone along professional pathways. Don’t miss this opportunity to forge valuable connections and explore new horizons in the cybersecurity landscape.
Harrisburg University’s commitment to delivering world-class programming in cybersecurity and computer science complements ongoing efforts by the Biden White House and the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD). The resulting National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy (NCWES) seeks to develop a more comprehensive national blueprint for cyber workforce development, increase diversity in these sectors, and expand access to cyber education and training. HU’s Cybersecurity Summit and our STEM Career Fair will be featured on the Service for America website for national visibility.
“Our Career Services and Experiential Learning team is ecstatic for this major opportunity. It’s an honor to be included on a national level and to have our STEM Career Fair incorporated into the White House’s Service for America effort to connect students and external community members to jobs in cybersecurity,” said Rebekah Harriger, Senior Director of Career Services & Experiential Learning.
In 2024, Harrisburg University was designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA). The NSA maintains stringent requirements for institutions seeking validation under this program. The CAE-CD designation identifies institutions committed to producing world-class cybersecurity professionals with the knowledge to reduce risks to national digital infrastructure, and that the institution has grounded its academic programs in interdisciplinary, hands-on cybersecurity instruction.
While HU’s Master of Science in Computer Information Sciences was the NSA’s validated program of study, the CAE-CD designation reflects the high quality of HU’s relevant degree programs, including the BS in Computer and Information Sciences, the BS in Cybersecurity Operations and Management, and the Computational Sciences PhD.
For students, the benefits of studying at an NSA-designated Center of Academic Excellence include:
- Ability to compete for Department of Defense (DoD) Cyber Scholarship Program grants.
- Eligibility for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Scholarship for Service program.
- Unlocking professional-development resources for faculty along with grants, scholarships, and internships for students.
HU is also home to the Security Center of Excellence (SCE), which is dedicated to enhancing the skills of current cyber professionals and educating those aspiring to join the cyber profession. The SCE’s goal is to contribute to the protection of national information infrastructure by providing a continuum of educational opportunities targeted to the current cybersecurity workforce, as well as addressing the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals through undergraduate and graduate-level education.
The Harrisburg University Cybersecurity Summit is a chance to add your voice to the pivotal dialogue transforming our collective cyber resilience. Register now to secure your spot! Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and ensure a safer tomorrow.
Want even more chances to explore your future in STEM? Harrisburg University’s 2024 Fall Career Week takes place October 14–18, featuring a STEM Career Fair on October 17. This is your chance to engage with exciting employers and explore great-paying jobs across the rich variety of STEM fields.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics. For additional information about the University’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
