NSA Designates LCCC as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

CHEYENNE, Wyoming – Laramie County Community College is now designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA), a recognition that validates the college’s high-quality cybersecurity curriculum and opens doors to exceptional career opportunities for students. LCCC is the only institution in Wyoming to hold this prestigious designation, reinforcing its role as a leader in cybersecurity education.

“This is a transformative moment for LCCC,” said Dan McIntosh, Information Technology Pathway coordinator. “This designation is not just about our IT program — it’s a win for the entire campus, our students, and the broader community. It means our students can be confident that their education meets rigorous national security standards, and it creates pathways to high-demand careers in government, private industry and beyond.”

The CAE-CD designation provides numerous advantages for students pursuing cybersecurity and related fields at LCCC, including:

National recognition: Validates that LCCC’s cybersecurity curriculum not only meets the rigorous standards of the federal government but is also respected by top industry leaders.

Expanded career opportunities: Opens doors to employment with federal and state agencies, government contractors and private sector organizations requiring cybersecurity expertise.

Affordable pathway to high-value careers: LCCC’s two-year cybersecurity degree can be completed in two years as a cost-effective alternative to four-year institutions while still offering access to top-tier career opportunities. Through LCCC's Edge program, students from bordering states also receive in-state tuition, making this one of the best values in the nation for high-quality cybersecurity education.

Early access for high school students: High school students in Laramie County can begin the cybersecurity program while still in high school, with their first four courses fully funded, giving them a head start on a high-demand career path.

Interdisciplinary impact: Encourages the integration of cybersecurity principles across various academic programs, ensuring that students in fields such as agriculture, healthcare and education graduate with critical knowledge of digital security.

Scholarship access: Provides eligibility for prestigious national scholarships such as the Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program (DoD CySP) and the CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS), which offer financial support and guaranteed employment opportunities in federal service.

The growing threat of cyberattacks across industries underscores the urgent need for well-trained cybersecurity professionals. According to the National Cyber Strategy, the United States faces a critical shortage of cybersecurity talent, and institutions like LCCC play a crucial role in filling that gap.

“Our students are not just gaining technical skills; they are preparing to be the next generation of cybersecurity defenders,” McIntosh said. “Whether they choose to work in federal agencies, protect critical infrastructure or secure businesses from cyber threats, they will graduate with technical skills and confidence that gives them a competitive edge. Now, students don’t have to leave Wyoming to gain the skills needed to protect our state’s digital infrastructure and safeguard their own communities.”

This designation also opens the door for government-academic research exchanges, giving LCCC faculty and students the chance to engage in advanced research projects that address real-world cybersecurity challenges. The CAE-CD community is supported by key federal partners, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Defense Chief Information Officer (DoD-CIO) and U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), creating unique opportunities for collaboration, training, and research.

Beyond individual student benefits, the CAE-CD designation strengthens LCCC’s reputation and fosters collaboration with industry leaders and government agencies. This achievement is the result of work by Director Troy Amick, Dean Jill Koslosky and the dedicated IT faculty who have been instrumental in building and advancing this program.

With this designation in place, LCCC plans to expand its cybersecurity offerings, integrate new training and certification opportunities and strengthen partnerships with local businesses and government agencies. Through partnerships with CyberWyoming, Laramie County School District 1, other community colleges and regional organizations, the IT Pathway will continue outreach efforts to inform students, faculty and the community about the significance of cybersecurity education.

The CAE-CD designation is part of the broader National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program, which also includes Centers focused on Cyber Operations (CAE-CO) and Cyber Research (CAE-R), ensuring comprehensive national coverage across critical areas of cybersecurity education and defense.

“This is only the beginning,” McIntosh said. “Our goal is to make cybersecurity education accessible, impactful and career-defining for our students. We’re excited about what this means for LCCC, for protecting Wyoming's critical infrastructure and for strengthening the state's workforce.”