WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced that Alfred State College will receive a $200,000 grant as part of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) investment in the Cyber ACCESS (Appalachian Community Colleges Eco-System Sustainability) project. This funding will help enhance cybersecurity education and training in the Southern Tier, building on Corning Community College’s capacity to train the next generation of skilled cybersecurity professionals.
“Investing in cybersecurity education is essential for keeping our workforce and businesses competitive in today’s digital climate,” said Congressman Langworthy. “This grant will help Alfred State College train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, giving our students the skills they need for successful careers and supporting the continued growth of the Southern Tier. I’m proud to back initiatives that expand opportunities and strengthen the future of our region.”
The grant is part of a broader $10,000,000 investment by ARC to support the Cyber ACCESS project, which will involve 30 community colleges across 13 states in the Appalachian region. The Cyber ACCESS initiative will serve 1,500 participants, 250 workers/trainers, and 32 businesses by providing cybersecurity training and events. By developing pathways to credentials such as AWS, Cisco, CompTIA, and Microsoft, the program will create employment opportunities and address existing gaps in the cybersecurity workforce.
The project is funded through ARC’s Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE), which aims to drive large-scale, regional economic transformation through multi-state collaborative efforts. This initiative supports the ARC’s mission to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth throughout the Appalachian region.