Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced a National Science Foundation (NSF) award of $749,869 for the Community College Cyber Pilot Program (C3P) at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). The funding will allow CSUSB to develop a pilot program in which faculty will mentor thirty students from five community colleges to help them find federal jobs in cyber security. The purpose of the program is to increase the level of diversity among students enrolled in cyber security programs and allow members of underrepresented communities to engage in the field.

“Cyber Security is an increasingly important part of our overall national security strategy,” said Rep. Aguilar. “I’m proud to announce this funding which will allow Cal State San Bernardino to grow their reputation as a leader in the cyber-security field while growing our nation’s pool of cyber talent.”

Dr. Tony Coulson, Director of the Cyber Security Center at CSUSB, commented, “Cybersecurity is an important concern nationally and in this region. This program will help improve the pipeline of critically needed cyberskills. CSUSB is helping provide national leadership in these initiatives.”

Rep. Aguilar has been a consistent advocate for federal investments into cyber security education programs, and has successfully used his position on the House Appropriations Committee to increase funding for the Department of Defense (DOD) Cyber Scholarship Program, which has granted students at CSUSB full tuition and guaranteed employment with the DOD upon completion of their degrees. Earlier this year, his bill to expand access to that program to students of color was signed into law.