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Faculty Externship Program

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Application Deadline: 
February 27, 2026 by 5 PM Pacific.

Gain hands-on, relevant, industry knowledge to apply in the classroom

The National Cybersecurity Training & Education Center (NCyTE) Faculty Externship Program supports full-time community and technical college faculty in updating their technical skills and staying current with the latest workplace trends. Graduates of academic cybersecurity programs are highly sought-after by private industry and government, making it essential for faculty to have a comprehensive understanding of the workplace, work roles, and projects in which their students will be involved upon entering the workforce. By bringing this knowledge back to the classroom, faculty can better prepare graduates for today’s workforce needs.

What Is an Externship?

An externship is an immersive experience in a real-world setting (e.g., cybersecurity operations center) where faculty can gain current knowledge of cybersecurity techniques, tools, skills, and knowledge of the workplace with a minimum of 80 hours of participation.

The program is overseen by Kyle Jones at Sinclair Community College (on behalf of NCyTE). Upon successful completion of the program, faculty participants will be eligible for a stipend provided by NCyTE.

Who Should Apply?

Program participants are selected through a competitive application process.

Open to NCyTE Member Network faculty who:

  • Currently teach IT/CS credit courses full-time at a two-year community college or technical college; and
  • Have institutional approval to participate (confirmation from department chair or dean).

Participant Responsibilities:

 Before the Externship

  • Coordinate scheduling and logistics with your department chair/dean and obtain letter of support. 
  • Secure an externship placement through a local industry partner or Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Faculty arrange their own placements; travel expenses are not covered. Applicants are encouraged to secure an externship placement before applying or immediately after submission.
  • If selected, review and sign the NCyTE Externship Agreement, confirming your understanding of the responsibilities, deliverables, and stipend requirements.
  • If selected, collaborate with your company/organization partner to develop a Statement of Work (SOW) outlining responsibilities, learning outcomes, scope, timeline, and deliverables. The SOW must be signed by both you and your company/organization partner.

 During the Externship

  • Complete at least 80 hours of on-site engagement.  Typical activities include team meetings, one-on-one interviews, facility tours, project contributions, and observation or research.

 After the Externship

 Submit the following by September 30, 2026:

  • Externship Summary: A comprehensive report detailing activities, insights, gaps in cyber education, and recommendations for process, curriculum, or program improvements to be implemented during the next academic year
  • Final Narrative Report: Submitted to your college administration and NCyTE
  • Fall Presentation: Present your externship experience and curriculum recommendations to the department/college
  • Participants must also share insights with faculty colleagues and relevant academic leaders.
  • Complete post-externship survey.

 Stipend payment is contingent on verified completion of all required deliverables and approvals.

Key Dates and Timeline:

  • Applications open: December 2025
  • Application deadline: February 27, 2026 by 5 PM Pacific.
  • Notification date: Approximately March 13, 2026
  • Kick-off session: March 20, 2026 (mandatory for accepted participants)
  • Externship period: Summer 2026 (minimum 80 on-site hours)
  • Final reports due: September 30, 2026
  • Fall presentation: Required for all participants

How to Apply:

  1. Review the program requirements and the FAQs before applying.
  2. Submit your application using the form below. Applications close February 27, 2026 by 5 PM Pacific.
  3. Watch for notification emails following the committee review period, approximately March 13, 2026. All applicants will be notified; accepted applicants will receive next-step instructions.

 

APPLICATION FORM:

  1. To receive a copy of your submission, please fill out your email address below and submit.

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Questions?

For inquiries about eligibility, requirements, or externship planning, contact:

Casey O'Leary, Sinclair College
Email: kevin.oleary@sinclair.edu