Rome, NY – The Griffiss Institute, in partnership with the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Air Force Research Laboratory, has announced the latest round of Virtual Institutes for Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum Research and Employ (VICEROY) Program. The program is aimed at increasing the quality and quantity of students who possess job-ready Department of Defense (DoD) cybersecurity skills upon college graduation.
The VICEROY program is focused on augmenting traditional college curricula by providing hands-on, experiential learning and internship opportunities that are tailored to match the workforce demands of the Armed Services, DoD, and Defense Industrial Base partners. The newest round of virtual institute leads include North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, North Dakota State University, Texas A&M University, University of Colorado, University of Alabama in Huntsville, University of Kansas, and University of Texas at San Antonio. These universities join the existing virtual institutes led by University at Albany, Northeastern University, Mississippi State University, Washington State University, University of Detroit Mercy, and Virginia Tech. Along with their partner community colleges and universities, these additions more than double the number of institutions designated for the program, comprising 44 total across the continental U.S.
VICEROY develops early student interest in challenging DoD and National Security problem sets by augmenting traditional college curricula with hands-on, research-based, operationally focused experiential learning opportunities for ROTC and civilian students. VICEROY enhances the pipeline of cyber and spectrum students at the secondary school level through summer camps, JROTC outreach and dual enrollment. VICEROY also increases the number of cyber and spectrum instructors at secondary school and collegiate levels.
“The DoD seeks to modernize and accelerate capabilities to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s global security environment. VICEROY is developing mission-focused cyber and spectrum operations skills within our future workforce critical to achieving this goal. We are proud to partner with the Griffiss Institute and the Air Force Research Laboratory, as well as our numerous academic collaborators, to leverage their unique programs and facilities, and to ensure that our students are well-prepared for their future careers on the first day.” said Chester Maciag, Director for Cyber Science and Technology and Academic Outreach with the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.
“Through the latest round of the VICEROY Program, we are advancing the mission of preparing a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce for the Department of Defense. These virtual institutes, in collaboration with esteemed academic partners, augment traditional curricula, providing hands-on, experiential learning, and internships tailored to meet the demands of the Armed Services, DoD, and Defense Industrial Base. By doubling the size of the program, we are enhancing the pipeline of cyber and spectrum students from secondary schools to colleges, cultivating early interest in tackling challenging DoD and National Security problems. VICEROY serves as a catalyst, empowering future leaders to confidently address the evolving challenges of the cybersecurity industry.” Heather Hage, President, and CEO of Griffiss Institute.
“VICEROY provides talented students with the opportunity to work on mission-focused projects that will have a real impact on the Air/Space Force. Our program prepares them to become leaders in their field by cultivating clear and concise writing, polished public speaking, productive group dynamics, and constructive peer assessment,” said Sonja Glumich, VICEROY Air Force Program Manager.
“As a current Virtual Institute in the VICEROY program, we are proud to be part of a consortium that is making a difference in meeting the Department of Defense’s (DoD) workforce demands. The opportunity for our students to gain valuable experience through hands-on learning and internships will undoubtedly prepare them for successful careers in cybersecurity,” said a spokesperson for University of Albany.
“Being part of the VICEROY program has been a tremendous opportunity for our students to gain hands-on experience in cybersecurity and electromagnetic spectrum research. The tailored curriculum and internship opportunities have not only enhanced our students’ skillset but also provided a clear pathway for them to enter the Department of Defense (DoD) workforce,” said a spokesperson for Northeastern University, a current Virtual Institute (VI) in the VICEROY program.
“We are excited to contribute to the VICEROY program and help prepare our students to make a positive impact in the cybersecurity industry upon graduation.” Hossien Sarrafzadeh, Director, Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity Research, Education and Outreach (CREO) at North Carolina A&T.
“Participating in the VICEROY program is a significant opportunity to provide students with key skills to succeed in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity industry. We’re very excited to have this opportunity.” Jeremy Straub, Director, North Dakota State University Cybersecurity Institute.
“At Texas A&M, we are dedicated to providing our students with the best possible education and are honored to be a part of the VICEROY program, which aligns with our core values.” Drew Hamilton, Director, Texas A&M Cybersecurity Center.
“As a leading institution in cybersecurity education, the University of Alabama in Huntsville is excited to be a part of the VICEROY program and contribute to the development of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals.” Tommy Morris, Director, Center for Cybersecurity Research and Engineering.
“UTSA is excited to join the VICEROY program and the partner institutions to advance cyber and electromagnetic spectrum education and research to meet our National Security related workforce development needs.” Dr. John Huggins, Interim Executive Director, National Security Collaboration Center.
These new virtual institutes will work as co-collaborators; meeting regularly to share ideas, experiences and build new relationships. VICEROY students at these institutions will be given the opportunity to participate in an exclusive national level cyber operations competition in October, coinciding with Cybersecurity Awareness Month. VICEROY students will get handson, DoD mission-focused experience, that will create well-rounded and career ready graduates.