ANNAPOLIS – Announced at an unusual gathering that featured numerous Maryland politicians in one place (albeit in ARINC’s secure facility), Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corp. (WDC) will receive $4.9 million to help fund cyber security job training.  Awarded through a U.S. Dept. of Labor competitive grant program, the funds will provide tuition assistance for 1,000 “dislocated” workers, aka those who are out of work or want to upgrade their skills.  Classes are expected to start this fall.

L to R: U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes, U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, Gov. Martin O'Malley, ARINC CEO John Belcher, Vice Admiral Bernard McCullough III (head of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command). Not pictured: U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, AACC Pres. Dr. Martha Smith, and WDC President Kirkland Murray

WDC will implement the program with community colleges such as Anne Arundel, and the Pathways to Cyber Security Careers Consortium, a group of academic, government and industry partners including ARINC. 

In kicking off the announcement, Sen. Mikulski cited Maryland as the epicenter for cyber security and the program’s aim to create private-sector jobs.  The U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, part of the U.S. 10th Fleet, will be headquartered at Fort Meade. 

Asked about a recent series in The Washington Post that highlighted the immense resources spent and challenges associated with preventing terrorism and promoting cyber security, Mikulski had this to say:

“I disagree with the conclusion that there is no test for effectiveness.   The test is that we’ve had no attacks since 9-11.  That fact is that we need redundancy, and I support the proposal for an inspector general across all intelligence agencies.” 

See full release.