HCC Technology Center Ribbon Cutting

In the past few years, industries have adjusted to meet the evolving demands of technological capabilities. Concurrently, Houston has seen significant advances in higher education. From Rice announcing the opening of an international campus in Paris to The University of Houston developing a medical school that aims to narrow the region’s primary care provider gap, it’s clear area institutions continue to elevate the quality of Houston’s post-secondary education. 

Houston Community College (HCC) is the latest to incorporate groundbreaking technology to create a new cybersecurity center that will help train students pursuing careers in this sector and address the crucial shortage of tech workers. The grand opening of the center took place on June 24 showcasing state-of-the-art equipment such as simulated cyberattacks.

“With the opening of the new center, the college is equipping students with the skills needed not only for their careers but also for making a lasting impact on the nation’s security across industries and organizations,” said Dr. Madeline Burillo-Hopkins, president of HCC Southwest and vice chancellor of HCC Workforce Instruction.

With 700,000 cybersecurity job openings in the U.S, employers are not able to find enough experts in this field to fill open positions. HCC has more than 500 students enrolled in cybersecurity. Education leaders say the center will directly impact the next generation of thought leaders in technology and help companies obtain a skillset they need both within our city, and well beyond. 

“Students who complete an associate degree or certificate in cybersecurity at HCC are landing high-paying jobs right out of the gate,” said Samir Saber, dean of the HCC Digital Information and Technology Center of Excellence. “The center will also benefit the community by providing customized training workshops for businesses and organizations.”

For more information, visit HCC. And learn more about workforce development here.