$1.1M for cyber training
Cerro Coso Community College received $1.1 million in federal funds to expand cybersecurity training programs, reflecting a national push to grow local talent pipelines for public‑sector cyber roles. The grant is an example of federal investment tied directly to workforce capacity building. (ridgecrestca.com)
Congressman Vince Fong is credited with leading the effort to secure the federal award for Cerro Coso’s cybersecurity program expansion. (ridgecrestca.com)) College President Dr. Sean Hancock said the investment is intended to strengthen the regional workforce and support defense partners at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. (easternsierranow.com)) Kern Community College District Chancellor Steven Bloomberg framed the funding as part of broader workforce development for California’s community colleges. (easternsierranow.com)) College officials plan to direct the grant toward expanding curriculum, upgrading instructional resources, and increasing hands‑on, industry‑aligned training opportunities. (easternsierranow.com)) Cerro Coso already lists an Associate in Science (AS) in Cyber Security Technology and a Cyber Security Technician certificate among its offerings to prepare students for information security and networking roles. (cerrocoso.edu)) The college co‑hosted the Sierra Cyber Summit with the Griffiss Institute and TechGrid on October 24–25, 2025, an event that included workshops, internships and a capture‑the‑flag competition to funnel local talent into cyber careers. (cerrocoso.edu)) The Kern CCD Grants Office manages grant development for Cerro Coso and publishes a funded‑projects list that documents externally funded programs across the district. (kccd.edu))
