NHTI-Concord’s Community College has been recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), a distinction awarded by the National Security Agency (NSA). This honor underscores the college’s commitment to equipping graduates of its cybersecurity associate degree program with essential skills for success in a rapidly evolving field.
Chad Johnson, the program coordinator for information technology at NHTI, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “NHTI is deeply committed to meeting the evolving demands of today’s workforce. And few fields are growing as rapidly or as critically as cybersecurity.” The college’s designation aligns with the National Cyber Strategy, which highlights that a skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage.
Quality Education and National Standards
The NSA administers the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program in collaboration with various federal agencies, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). To obtain the CAE-CD designation, NHTI demonstrated that its curriculum met rigorous learning outcomes, incorporating hands-on lab exercises. These practical components allow students to engage in realistic scenarios, enhancing their preparedness for the workforce.
Moreover, the college’s qualification process extended beyond the confines of the cybersecurity program. NHTI needed to showcase its institutional cybersecurity measures met national standards and ensure that cybersecurity principles were integrated into other relevant academic areas, including healthcare programs that teach students how to secure patient medical files.
Opportunities for Students and the College
This prestigious designation opens a multitude of opportunities for both NHTI and its students. It grants access to competitive grants and specialized scholarships, while also strengthening connections with cybersecurity professionals and industry partners. These relationships are vital for enhancing the college’s programs and improving job placement rates for graduates.
For more information about NHTI’s Information Technology programs, interested individuals can visit nhti.edu. This recognition not only validates NHTI’s commitment to cybersecurity education but also positions its graduates to contribute meaningfully to a critical area of national security.
