Bellingham, Washington – May 6, 2022, Whatcom Community College (WCC), the host of the National Cybersecurity Training and Education (NCyTE) Center, has achieved designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) for a second time. WCC initially earned this designation in 2011. The re-designation remains in place through the 2028 academic year.

The CAE-CD designation from the National Security Agency (NSA) signifies and recognizes that Whatcom Community College is committed to producing cybersecurity professionals that will reduce vulnerabilities in our national infrastructure. WCC accomplishes this by supporting higher education and research in cybersecurity through its leading-edge Computer Information Systems (CIS) program. To achieve this designation, organizations must complete a several-monthslong application process and meet rigorous curriculum and program requirement reviews.

“Whatcom Community College is honored to have achieved this designation. We are proud of our strong partnerships with higher education, government, and industry partners such as Microsoft, Anvil, and Lockheed Martin, and to be building the cybersecurity workforce locally and nationally,” said Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown, President of Whatcom Community College.

In addition to holding a CAE-CD designation, Whatcom Community College is the host institution of two national centers, the CAE Candidates National Center (CCNC) and the National Cybersecurity Training and Education (NCyTE) Center. The CCNC, funded by the NSA, acts as the entry point for all colleges and universities applying for CAE designation. It also provides mentoring, resources, advice, and support for applicants. The NCyTE Center, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), works to advance cybersecurity education to support workforce needs by developing, curating, and disseminating resources and development opportunities for students, faculty, and industry.

About NCyTE: The National Cybersecurity Training & Education (NCyTE) Center is funded by the National Science Foundation. NCyTE's mission is to advance cybersecurity education in the U.S. to support tomorrow’s workforce. The NCyTE Center is based in Bellingham, WA at Whatcom Community College. For more information visit www.ncyte.net.

About Whatcom: Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, Washington is regularly recognized as one of the top community colleges in the nation for student outcomes. The College, a destination for cybersecurity, healthcare, and business studies, offers two bachelor of applied science degrees, transfer degrees, career and workforce preparation, online courses, and community education classes. New high school graduates, laid-off workers, seasoned employees, future university students—all students count on WCC to support their academic and career goals. For more information, visit www.whatcom.edu.

Media Contact & Public Information Officer: Marni Saling Mayer, PIO and Director of Communications & Marketing, msmayer@whatcom.edu, Phone: 360-383-3312

Toyo Garber, NCyTE Center Marketing & Communications Manager, TGarber@whatcom.edu, Phone: 360-383-3176