Lab/Textbook Vouchers Distributed
850+
80
Faculty/Staff Trained
in STEM
Certification Vouchers Awarded
150+
69
Connections w/ Various Institutions
280+
Student Scholarships Awarded
About PC4A
IUP, in partnership with six other community colleges in Pennsylvania, has been awarded a substantial grant from the US Department of Defense (DoD STEM) to form the Pennsylvania Community College Consortium Cooperative Agreement (PC4A), with the increasingly important goal of supporting and strengthening the cybersecurity workforce in our country.
The project officially began in September 2022 and will continue through August 2025 with possible extensions through 2028.
Our Partners
Community college partners were chosen based on a variety of factors, including geographical location, vested interest in cybersecurity and STEM fields, and expertise in managing federally funded grants. Visit our Partners page to learn more information about each school. For upcoming activities, please visit the Grant Activities page.
PC4A Objectives
Increase Certification Rates
The consortium will work together to overcome some of the challenges and roadblocks that stop graduates from becoming certified in related areas. Increased certification rates will not only help graduates in obtaining employment in their fields but will also provide better-equipped and prepared graduates for employers.
Increase Transfers to 4-Year Institutions
This partnership will allow for easier transitions for students who are interested in obtaining further education beyond the diplomas, certificates or degrees that are available at our partner locations. By increasing the number of students who transfer to four-year institutions, there will be more qualified graduates seeking employment, thus increasing the strength of the cybersecurity workforce in our country.
Increase Interest in DoD/DIB Employment
The US Government is in need of a skilled, qualified, and prepared cybersecurity workforce. The consortium will bridge the gap between graduates and government agencies by improving relationships, assisting in internships and job shadowing, and providing general education about opportunities that are available, some of which may currently be unknown to students.