The state of Maryland has expanded the Cyber Warrior Diversity Program that will now provide annual grants to four historically Black colleges and universities in the state. The program began last year at Morgan State University and Coppin State University, both in Baltimore. Bowie State University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore will now become part of the program as will Baltimore City Community College, where African Americans make up 74 percent of the student body
The program will train students in computer networking and cybersecurity with the goal of an increase in the number of people from underrepresented groups who earn Computer Technology Industry Association certifications.
Aminta H. Breaux, president of Bowie State University, stated that “Bowie State University is well positioned to use these new resources to build on the outstanding initiatives we have aligned with the growing and evolving needs within the cybersecurity ecosystem.”
David Wilson, president of Morgan State University added that “if you are looking to have diversity in this industry there’s no way you can achieve that if you are not looking at institutions that are producing the majority of the talent.”