PC4A Progress and Activities
PC4A "By the Numbers"
All our partners are working diligently to offer events and activities that will help meet our goals. See below for PC4A "By The Numbers," and all previous events. Stay up to date on all PC4A activities by signing up for our Newsletter and view the latest version here!
683
tuition/book
scholarships
awarded
262
cert prep
workshop
participants
2,854
hours of free
tutoring
provided
1,539
lab/book
vouchers
awarded
241
certification
exam vouchers
awarded
29
STEM courses
added or
updated
53
paid
internships
offered
53
certifications
earned by
students
106
events hosted
or attended by
partners
4,843
internship
hours
completed
21
faculty training
events hosted
or attended
73
collaborations
with outside
institutions
27
cert prep
workshops
offered
114
faculty trained
in cybersecurity
topics
44
bi-weekly
meetings held
with partners
PC4A Events and Activities (updated quarterly, last update September 2024)
Since the start of the project in September 2022 through September 2024, PC4A partners have offered 27 certification prep workshops to 262 participants and distributed 241 free certification exam vouchers. So far, 53 students have earned their certification, with many more expected in the coming months. Below are statistics for each workshop offered.
Workshop Date
Partner
Certification
Participants
Vouchers
Warded
Exams
Taken
Certifications
Earned
BC3
CompTIA Network+
3
3
3
December 2022
2
PHCC
CompTIA Network+
3
3
0
December 2022
0
PHCC
CompTIA Linux+
11
11
1
April 2023
0
BC3
CompTIA Security+
3
3
3
May 2023
3
MCCC
Cisco CCNA
11
11
11
May 2023
6
MCCC
Cisco CCNA
13
13
13
June 2023
4
BUCKS
CompTIA A+
10
10
10
July 2023
3
BUCKS
CompTIA Network+
5
5
1
July 2023
0
MCCC
Cisco CCNA
5
2
2
July 2023
1
PHCC
CompTIA Security+
13
13
1
September 2023
0
MCCC
Cisco CCNA
14
0
0
November 2023
0
PHCC
CompTIA Network+
11
11
3
November 2023
1
BC3
CompTIA Network+
4
4
4
December 2023
4
MCCC
CompTIA A+
12
12
1
December 2023
1
WCCC
CompTIA A+
12
5
0
December 2023
0
BUCKS
CompTIA A+
23
23
0
March 2024
0
BUCKS
CompTIA Network+
16
12
0
March 2024
0
BC3
CompTIA Security+
2
2
2
May 2024
2
BUCKS
CompTIA A+
23
23
18
May 2024
10
BUCKS
CompTIA Network+
16
12
4
May 2024
3
PHCC
CompTIA A+
5
10
0
May 2024
0
PHCC
CompTIA Network+
5
5
0
May 2024
0
PHCC
CompTIA Security+
1
1
0
May 2024
0
WCCC
CompTIA Network+
10
TBD
TBD
May 2024
TBD
MCCC
CCNA
7
6
6
June 2024
3
MCCC
CompTIA A+
10
10
1
August 2024
1
BUCKS
CompTIA Security+
14
14
3
Summer
1
NCC
CompTIA CySA+
NA
2
2
Self Study
1
NCC
CompTIA A+
NA
4
3
Self Study
3
NCC
CompTIA Security+
NA
10
3
Self Study
3
NCC
CompTIA Network+
NA
1
1
Self Study
0
Since the start of this project, IUP has offered seven faculty development workshops for our partner community college faculty and staff. Please visit the faculty development page for more information. See below for additional faculty development activities.
AUG 2024
MCCC POGIL Faculty Development
MCCC hosted an additional POGIL Faculty Development Workshop for faculty to learn the POGIL method of student-centered instruction. 16 faculty attended the training.
JUN 2024
CYAD Conference (NCC)
NCC faculty attended the Cybersecurity across Disciplines conference in Palos Hills, Illinois, which focused on shedding light on the critical role cybersecurity plays across diverse fields.
JUN 2024
NICE Conference (NCC)
NCC faculty attended the 2024 NICE Conference and Expo held in Dallas Texas. The conference focused on ways to develop a skilled cybersecurity workforce.
SPR 2024
Diversity and Inclusion Faculty Development Workshop
Diversity and Inclusion Faculty Development Workshops were offered virtually to faculty at BUCKS. Four sessions were provided and focused on how faculty can support all students success in STEM.
JAN 2024
Information Literacy and AI Faculty Workshop (MCCC)
A faculty development workshop was held for all MCCC faculty focused on Information Literacy and AI. 85 faculty attended the event.
AUG 2023
CompTIA Partner Summit (BUCKS)
BUCKS Co-PI Rory Butler attended the 2023 CompTIA Partner Summit held in Las Vegas, NV which focused on creating technology pathways and strengthening the workforce.
AUG 2023
MAA MathFEST (NCC)
NCC Co-PI attended the 2023 MAA MathFest which featured sessions on a wide variety of topics including inquiry-based learning, the art of publishing, and tips for math leadership.
JUL 2023
Pathways to Student Development Conference (NCC)
The NCC Co-PI Guy Patra attended the 2023 Pathways to Student Development Conference which featured speakers from across the US.
MAY 2023
InfoSec Security+ Bootcamp (WCCC)
WCCC Co-PI Michael Caglia attended a weeklong bootcamp offered by Infosec which prepared participants to take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. Mr. Caglia successfully earned this certification.
JUL 2024
CIS Open House/Escape Room
MCCC Hosted a CIS Open House/Escape room for students to explore cybersecurity and computer science programs and careers.
JUL 2024
Workforce Development Networking Non-Credit Class
MCCC hosted a non-credit networking class to help prepare students to take the CCNA exam.
JUN 2024
Cybersecurity Summer Camp (WCCC)
WCCC hosted a cybersecurity camp for students in grades 7-9. Students participated in hands-on activities to learn cybersecurity basics and how to stay safe online.
JUN 2024
YMCA Kids Camp Field Trip (PHCC)
PHCC hosted students in grades K-6 to learn more about robotics and STEM as part of a YMCA field trip. Participants were given a hands-on review of computer hardware and an introduction to animatronics.
MAY 2024
Wissahickon High School Hackathon (MCCC)
MCCC hosted the Wissahickon High School Hackathon, which included students from four local high schools and hackathon questions were pulled from USACO. Another event is expected in fall 2024.
APR 2024
CTE Career Day at Monroe Campus (NCC)
NCC hosted almost 100 CTE students on campus to share information on NCC programs and the PC4A project. The workshop included preseations from industry leaders, and concluded with a STEM Career Fair.
APR 2024
3CS Regional Conference (NCC)
NCC hosted the Cybersecurity Capabilities and Career Community College Cyber Summit. Sessions focused on practice improvements in cybersecurity education. Visit the 3CS website for details.
SPR 2024
Spring Open Houses (MCCC)
MCCC hosted two in-person and one virtual open house for students to learn about STEM programs and the PC4A Project. Students and their parents were welcomed to campus and invited to meet faculty and explore career options.
SPR 2024
Co-PI Visits to Local Vo-Techs (BC3)
BC3 Co-PI Sherri Mack visited three local vo-tech schools to meet with students and share information about available programs and PC4A benefits offered.
APR 2024
Technology Open House/Career Fair (NCC)
NCC hosted a Technology Open House/Career Fair for high school students to learn more about programs available and explore STEM career options.
MAR 2024
Discover Your Future Event (MCCC)
Over 100 girls attended the "Discover Your Future" event hosted at MCCC, which was designed to encourage young women to consider careers in STEM. See the news release for details.
MAR 2024
Homer-Center High School Presentation (LO)
PC4A PI Dr. Farag visited Homer Center High School and gave a presentation on cybersecurity careers, the Computer Science Department at IUP, and the PC4A project.
APR 2024
Cybersecurity Community Event (BC3)
BC3 hosted the first annual Cybersecurity Community Event which was open to the public and included guest speakers from academia and industry.
MAR 2024
2nd Annual Cybersecurity Community Event (PHCC)
PHCC offered the second Annual Cybersecurity Community Event for high school students and senior citizens. Participants learned more about cybersecurity, played games, and met PHCC faculty.
JAN 2024
Cybersecurity Institute Kick-Off Event (PHCC)
A kick-off event was held to celebrate the launch of the PHCC Institute for Cybersecurity, which offers a comphrensive suite of pathway programs for high-school and college students.
DEC 2023
Bsides Philly Cybersecurity Event (NCC)
Eight students from NCC attended the BSides Cybersecurity Event held in Philadelphia, PA. Students were able to learn about changes in the industry and compete in a competition in which they placed second.
OCT 2023
16th Annual Cybersecurity Day at IUP (LO)
IUP held 16th Annual Cybersecurity Day, which featured presentations by cybersecurity experts. PC4A sponsored the event which was attended by over 200 people, including students/faculty from PC4A partners schools.
OCT 2023
BSides Flood City Event (LO & PHCC)
The first annual BSides Flood City Cybersecurity event was hosted by PHCC and sponsored by PC4A. The PC4A PM attended the event, which included presentation from cybersecurity experts for students and employers.
SEP 2023
Science Center Grand Re-Opening (MCCC)
A celebration of the re-opening of the MCCC Science Center was recently held, and MCCC and PC4A staff and faculty shared information on current programs, research, and the PC4A Project.
MAR 2023
Cybersecurity Community Event (PHCC)
PHCC offered the first annual Cybersecurity Community Event that was free and open to the public. Topics included cyber threats, social media risks, email security, passwords, and cybersecurity laws.
OCT 2022
15th Annual Cybersecurity Day at IUP (LO)
IUP offered the 15th Annual Cybersecurity Day, day-long event featuring presentations from renowned cybersecurity experts. Students and faculty from WCCC also attended this event.
One of the main objectives of the PC4A project is to increase interest in DoD/DIB employment. Partners are completing this objective by seeking out DoD/DIB involvement in their classrooms and activities, establishing internship programs, and identifying and cultivating relationships with various DoD/DIB agencies and contractors. Please visit the DoD/DIB Outreach Page for more information.
AUG 2024
Robotics Camp
NCC hosted a robotics camp for incoming freshman students to learn python and robot programming with the Raspberry Pi.
APR 2024
CMU National Robotics Engineering Center Tour (WCCC)
WCCC students enrolled in STEM related programs were given an in-depth tour of the Carnegie Mellon University National Robotics and Engineering Center.
APR 2024
Project Manager Campus Visits (LO)
In April 2024, the PC4A Project Manager visited BC3, PHCC and WCCC to meet with students and share benefits available through the PC4A project.
APR 2024
Solar Eclipse Watch Party (WCCC)
WCCC hosted an "Eclipse Watch Party" for students to gather together and safely view the once in a lifetime Great North American Total Solar Eclipse.
APR 2024
Skills USA District 2 Competition (NCC)
Four students from NCC competed in the District 2 Skills USA Competition in Hershey PA. Vist the SkillsUSA website for more details.
MAR 2024
Montco Employer Days (MCCC)
Employers visited MCCC campus to meet with current students and share details on careers in STEM and Health Science. PC4A provided benefits were also shared with participants.
MAR 2024
Transfer Fair - Pocono and Bethlehem Campuses (MCCC)
A Transfer Fair was hosted at NCC's Pocono and Bethlehem campuses with representatives from over 40 colleges and universities. See the event website for further details.
MAR 2024
Mid-Atlantic Cybersecurity Capabilities and Career Symposium (NCC)
NCC students and faculty attended the Mid Atlantic Cybersecurity Capabilities and Symposium. NCC students participated in a "Capture the Flag" style competition, earning first place!
MAR 2024
Open House - Youngwood Campus (WCCC)
WCCC hosted an Open House at the Youngwood, PA campus. Details on the Computer Technology Department and benefits available through the PC4A project were shared with participants.
MAR 2024
Montco Science Research Competition (MCCC)
MCCC faculty volunteered as judges at the Montco Science Research Competition, where students presented projects in math, ecology, computer science, and other STEM fields.
MAR 2024
BotsIQ Preliminary Combat Robotics Competition (WCCC)
WCCC hosted the annual BotsIQ Combat Robotics Preliminary competition, where students from the region battle their creations in a cage match.
MAR 2024
Future Ready Conference (BUCKS)
BUCKS hosted the Future Ready Conference and provided participants with sessions on cybersecurity careers, and the PC4A project.
APR 2024
2024 CAE-C Annual Symposium (LO)
PC4A PI Dr. Waleed Farag gave a presentation at the 2024 CAE-C Annual Symposium titled "Creating a Model Cybersecurity Eco-System in Western Pennsylvania to Strengthen the National Cyber Workforce."
JUN 2023
CAE-C Symposium (LO & PHCC)
PC4A PI Dr. Waleed Farag and PHCC Co-PI Greg Paonessa attended the 2023 CAE-C Symposium held in Seatle, WA, and Dr. Farag gave a presentation on the PC4A Project. Visit the event website for details.
FEB 2023
DoD STEM Exchange (LO)
PI Dr. Waleed Farag presented a talk titled "PC4A: A Model for Fostering Genuine Collaboration among Community Colleges to Advance Cybersecurity and STEM Education at the inaugural DoD STEM Exchange.
MAY 2024
33rd Annual Showcase for Commerce (PHCC)
PHCC representatives attended the 33rd Annual Showcase for Commerce event, a nationally renowned business and industry trade show and defense contracting exhibition.
MAY 2024
Computer Science Advisory Board Meeting (BUCKS)
Bucks held their annual Computer Science Advisory Board meeting and gathered feedback from members on curriculum and the importance of industry certifications.
APR 2024
PA Senate Majority Committee Meeting (MCCC)
MCCC Co-PI participated in the PA Senate Majority Committe Meeting and provided testimony on innovation and technology in Pennsylvania. Watch the meeting recording here.
MAR 2024
Concurrent Technologies Corporation Site Visit (PHCC)
Student members of the PHCC Computer Club visited DoD Contractor Concurrent Technologies Corporation for a tour and information on cybersecurity careers and employment.
MAR 2024
Regional Cyber Hub Kick-Off Meeting (LO)
PC4A PI Dr. Farag was invited to participate in a newly formed Regional Cyber Hub. The kick-off meeting included representatives from various educational institutions in PA. See the press release for details.
FEB 2024
International Visitor Leadership Visit to IUP (LO)
PC4A PI Dr. Farag gave a presentation to international delegates from Iran as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program, sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security. See the news release for details.
AUG 2023
NCAE NE Regional Meeting and Townhall (LO & PHCC)
Project PI Dr. Waleed Farag and PHCC Co-PI Greg Paonessa attended the event with the theme "Planting the Seeds: Collaborating and Sustaining the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Professionals."
AUG 2023
1st Annual PC4A Partner Conference (LO)
For the first time since the start of the project, all PC4A Partners gathered in person to reflect on the first year of the project, discussing goals, accomplishments, and plans for the second year of the project.
AUG 2023
Computer Technology Advisory Meeting (PHCC)
The PHCC Advisory Board met to discuss the PHCC assessment process, the PC4A Project, and new courses to be added to computer science related programs.
MAY 2023
Showcase for Commerce (PHCC)
PHCC Co-PIs attended the 32nd Annual Showcase for Commerce event, held in Johnstown, PA. The event allowed for connections with various DoD contractors, private businesses, and educational institutions.
MAY 2023
Aerium Summit (PHCC)
PHCC Staff attended the inaugural Aerium Summit, which provided opportunities for students to learn about careers in aviation, drone operation, defense, and others. Students also participated in hands-on activities.
MAY 2023
Bucks Computer Science Advisory Board Meeting (BUCKS)
Bucks Computer Science Department held an advisory board meeting where STEM faculty and local employers were invited to provide feedback on the level of employment preparedness and curriculum for CS programs.