Cyber Center

Welcome to the Valencia College Cyber Center! Valencia College has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education 2 Year program (CAE2Y) by the NSA (National Security Agency) and the DHC (Department of Homeland Security). 

About Us

In 2007 Valencia was awarded a NSF ATE grant entitled: "Computer Engineering Technology Security Curriculum Expansion and Enhancement," DUE-0703070, for the project period October 1, 2007 - September 30, 2013. This ATE project developed and implemented a cybersecurity specialization within the Network Engineering Technology (NET) Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program.

Valencia launched the Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Associate Degree Specialization in 2010 and has successfully developed curriculum, faculty, and articulation. Two state-approved technical certificates have also been developed in Cybersecurity (30 college credits) and Digital Forensics (32 college credits).

In 2013 The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHC) recognized Valencia College as a National Center of Academic Excellent in Information Assurance Education 2 Year program (CAE2Y). Ever since, the college has been deeply engaged with the community and industry partners in several meaningful ways to promote Cybersecurity awareness and to strengthen the pipeline for Cybersecurity professionals.

Since its inception, the program has taken a hands-on focus, using portable virtual labs that are deployable in commonly used virtual and remote-access environments. Program courses cover the exam blue print for some of the top Cyber Security and Cyber Forensics industry certifications including Access Data Certified Examiner; Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH), and  CompTIA Security+.

The program has expanded educational resources to K-12 institutions through the delivery various workshops and summer camps. The program was also successful at building an effective education pipeline model with 4-year programs, including the Cybersecurity program at University of Maryland University College (UMUC) and the Cybersecurity Program at University of Maine at Augusta (UMA).

Furthermore, in 2018 Valencia College’s Network Engineering Technology program was named a winner of the inaugural Siemens-Aspen Community College STEM Award by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program (CEP) and the Siemens Foundation. The NET program was one of eight community college programs in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), recognized for providing outstanding preparation for high-demand jobs in information technology.

For all inquiries please contact Dr. Jessica Chisholm by email at jchisholm2@valenciacollege.edu, or by phone at 407-582-1614.