News Summary

The University of South Carolina Aiken has begun construction on a $44 million Cyber Integration Center to meet the rising demand for cybersecurity professionals. This facility, part of a $145 million investment in South Carolina’s cybersecurity capabilities, will provide practical training for students and support local communities. The center aims to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity experts and support underserved partners through enhanced services, highlighting a commitment to collaboration in the face of increasing cyber threats.

USC Aiken Breaks Ground on $44 Million Cyber Integration Center

AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA – The University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken) has officially commenced construction on a new Cyber Integration Center, a state-of-the-art facility that represents a significant investment of $44 million aimed at addressing the growing needs for cybersecurity professionals in the region. This initiative is part of a larger effort totaling $145 million focused on enhancing cybersecurity capabilities throughout South Carolina.

Construction of the Cyber Integration Center is considered the largest project undertaken by the South Carolina National Guard since World War II. USC Aiken’s Chancellor highlighted that the establishment of this facility comes after a decade of planning and development, culminating in extensive efforts by the state delegation to secure over $169 million in funding sourced from the plutonium settlement, which was approved by the state General Assembly in June 2022. Support from state leadership, including Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and Governor Henry McMaster, played a pivotal role in facilitating funding for this crucial initiative.

Facility Features and Goals

The Cyber Integration Center is designed to cater to a diversified audience, including National Guard soldiers, university students, and community members. It will be located adjacent to the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative on sites that previously served as ball fields for USC Aiken.

One of the key components of this center will be a student-run Regional Security Operations Center (RSOC), where more than 400 cybersecurity students are expected to engage in hands-on training. This facility will not only provide practical cybersecurity protection services for the university but also support underserved partners such as local school districts, nonprofit organizations, and rural infrastructure through enhanced security measures.

The goal of the Cyber Integration Center is to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, ensuring they are job-ready from their first day in the field. Additionally, the initiative strives to retain these skilled workers within South Carolina, bolstering the local economy and enhancing the state’s workforce capabilities.

Long-Term Vision

Major General Ryan M. Janovic, Commanding Officer of the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence, underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing cybersecurity challenges that are critical to national security. Through various projects including the Cyber Integration Center, there is an emphasis on the necessity of working together across sectors to fortify defenses against cyber threats.

Construction of the Cyber Integration Center is anticipated to reach completion by 2026, where it will serve as a hub for training, education, prototyping, and cooperation between military and civilian sectors. Furthermore, by inspiring interest in the field of cybersecurity among middle and high school students, the initiative aims to cultivate a future workforce that is not only skilled but also passionate about careers in this vital area.

Conclusion

The establishment of the Cyber Integration Center at USC Aiken marks a substantial milestone in the effort to enhance cybersecurity training and resources in South Carolina. It promises to provide valuable educational opportunities and play a key role in shaping the future of cybersecurity in the state.

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