Reading, PA, May 10, 2021 – The need for cybersecurity professionals has increased dramatically as computers and mobile devices have become essential in our personal and professional lives. Dr. Susan D. Looney, president of Reading Area Community College (RACC) and the RACC administration recognized the need to establish a Cybersecurity Program, which has quickly become very popular for students with technical skills and an intuitive understanding of computer systems. 

RACC Cybersecurity faculty member, Michael Hoehl, noticed a trend among the students who had completed the ten course Cybersecurity Program. Some students needed financial assistance with costs to obtain the official certification. Hoehl also happens to be the director of Cybersecurity at Carpenter Technology. Hoehl connected with Linda Bell, associate dean of the Business Division and Tony DeMarco, executive director of the Foundation for Reading Area Community College. Michael’s concept was to appeal to Carpenter Technology’s leadership team for a gift to cover the testing costs for the students who completed RACC’s Cybersecurity curriculum. 

The Carpenter Technology Cybersecurity Program has awarded 14 students the funding to cover the costs of their official certification test. Linda Bell has also arranged for each of these students to have access to a test preparation workshop in advance of the rigorous test as part of the Carpenter Technology award. 

“We have cleared certain monetary obstacles for these talented individuals to achieve certification and find the career of their dreams in the many cybersecurity opportunities that are available in the industry,” says Hoehl. 

“One needs to simply read the news to realize the vulnerability that exists,” says Dr. Looney. “We know regionally as well as nationally, there is a need for qualified cybersecurity professionals. Our program provides a comprehensive cybersecurity education, preparing graduates for advanced technical and management positions in cybersecurity, she continues. We are grateful to Carpenter Technology for their generous contributions that provide direct assistance for these students and for recognizing the importance of developing the next generation of professionals in this critical field.”

To learn more about the Cybersecurity Program at Reading Area Community College, contact Linda Bell at 610.607.5168.