Colorado Springs, CO – Tuesday, June 11, 2024 – Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) has been awarded $300,000 in state funding to further bolster its successful cybersecurity program. This allocation, approved by the Colorado General Assembly, underscores the state's commitment to advancing education and workforce development in the critical field of cybersecurity.

This funding infusion builds upon the foundation laid by Senate Bill 18-086, which initially earmarked $1.5 million to establish and expand PPSC's cybersecurity training initiative in collaboration with local partners. Dr. Lance Bolton, President of Pikes Peak State College, emphasized the pivotal role of state support in propelling the program's growth and success.

“We have dramatically grown the program, and a key part around pipeline-building is that approximately 10 percent of our students are Concurrent Enrollment students,” he said. “We're 
giving opportunities to high school students to engage in a career that they can really build on.”In the past five years, PPSC has doubled cybersecurity course enrollment, awarded 82
cybersecurity credentials, and extended $30,000 in scholarships for cyber students.

Mike Krakow, Program Director of PPSC's cybersecurity program, highlighted the transformative impact of state funding on program enhancements. "Thanks to state support, 
PPSC has been able to modernize classroom technology, recruit top-tier faculty, and forge dynamic partnerships with industry stakeholders," says Krakow. "Our focus on delivering real-world experiences to students has been particularly instrumental. We sent 24 students to Project Pisces at the National Cybersecurity Center, which partners with local small businesses that wouldn't necessarily have a cyber position,” explains Krakow. “The students go through a whole day of training, and then put their training into action by scouring logbooks, identifying issues and reporting those breaches. This real-world experience gives them an edge upon entering the workforce.”

PPSC's emphasis on career-connected learning has yielded tangible outcomes for students. Cybersecurity graduates have collectively earned $17 million over the past five years and boast
an average starting salary of $65,000. Approximately 670 students are enrolled in cybersecurity and computer science programs at PPSC, which reflects a growing demand for skilled 
professionals in these fields.

Caden Rothzeid, president of the Cyber Club PPSC, epitomizes the transformative journey from passion to career. Rothzeid expressed gratitude for the guidance and opportunities provided by PPSC. "The faculty's responsiveness and commitment to student success are invaluable," remarks Rothzeid. "With the Cyber Club's collaborative platform and practical experiences gained through competitions like the National Cyber League, I am confident in my ability to pursue a career as a Security Operations Center Analyst."

As PPSC continues to advance its cybersecurity program with state support, the college remains dedicated to equipping students like Rothzeid with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to thrive in the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. To learn more about the Cybersecurity program at Pikes Peak State College, visit
pikespeak.edu/cybersecurity.

Media Contact:
Rachel Tyrrell BS, BA
Content Coordinator in Marketing and Communications at Pikes Peak State College
Mobile:  719-715-3297
Email: rachel.tyrrell@pikespeak.edu
Pronouns: she/her