SC New York News

Congressman Nick Langworthy announced that Alfred State College will receive a $200,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) as part of the Cyber ACCESS (Appalachian Community Colleges Eco-System Sustainability) project. This funding aims to enhance cybersecurity education and training in the Southern Tier, leveraging Corning Community College’s resources to train future cybersecurity professionals.

“Investing in cybersecurity education is essential for keeping our workforce and businesses competitive in today’s digital climate,” said Congressman Langworthy. “This grant will help Alfred State College train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, giving our students the skills they need for successful careers and supporting the continued growth of the Southern Tier. I’m proud to back initiatives that expand opportunities and strengthen the future of our region.”

The grant is part of a larger $10 million investment by ARC to support the Cyber ACCESS project, which includes 30 community colleges across 13 states in the Appalachian region. The initiative aims to serve 1,500 participants, 250 workers/trainers, and 32 businesses by providing cybersecurity training and events. It also focuses on developing pathways to credentials such as AWS, Cisco, CompTIA, and Microsoft certifications to create employment opportunities and address gaps in the cybersecurity workforce.

The project is funded through ARC’s Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE), which seeks to drive large-scale regional economic transformation through multi-state collaborative efforts. This initiative aligns with ARC’s mission to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth throughout Appalachia.