UMD, Parsons Partner to Help Produce Future Cybersecurity Professionals

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The University of Maryland and Parsons(link is external), an engineering, construction, technical, and management services firm, have partnered to provide academic scholarships to current and future undergraduate students in the UMD Honors College Advanced Cybersecurity Experience for Students (ACES). Through a gift from Parsons, 24 scholarships will be awarded to high-achieving students during the next three years. In addition to the scholarships, Parsons will provide professional insights to students, as well as exposure to varied career options in the field of cybersecurity.

The ACES program, the first and only full four-year honors undergraduate program in cybersecurity, was launched in fall 2013 and includes a two-year living-learning component and a two-year advanced program of study in cybersecurity.

"Cybersecurity has become a national priority – and a shortage of cybersecurity professionals has created a great demand for cyber-enabled graduates," said William Dorland(link is external), director of the Honors College(link is external). "Support from Parsons will help Maryland produce students with the interdisciplinary expertise, and problem-solving and leadership skills to meet this demand."

"Parsons is pleased to contribute to the University of Maryland Honors College and the ACES program," stated Mary Ann Hopkins, Parsons group president. "Since our inception in 1944, we have supported educational institutions and organizations in the communities where we operate around the world, and we are proud to support these students as they pursue careers in cybersecurity and other related fields."

Source: UMD Right Now(link is external)

Additional Article: Baltimore Business Journal

Published September 12, 2013