PC4A Progress and Activities
A comprehensive list of PC4A activities is below. These activities are updated quarterly with a last update of December 2024.
Since the start of the project in September 2022 through March 2025, PC4A partners have offered 32 certification prep workshops to 319 participants and distributed 298 free certification exam vouchers. So far, 87 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
BC3
CompTIA Network+
4
4
4
December 2024
1
BUCKS
CompTIA A+
20
20
7
Jan/March 2025
1
BUCKS
CompTIA Network+
20
20
6
January 2025
3
MCCC
CompTIA A+
32
31
27
January 2025
16
BUCKS
CompTIA Security+
10
10
0
March 2025
0
PHCC
CompTIA Security+
5
0
0
March 2025
0
PHCC
CompTIA Network+
5
0
0
March 2025
0
NCC
CompTIA CySA+
NA
5
4
Self Study
3
NCC
CompTIA A+
NA
5
3
Self Study
3
NCC
CompTIA Security+
NA
9
9
Self Study
7
NCC
CompTIA Network+
NA
1
1
Self Study
1
NCC
MS Azure Fundamentals
NA
1
1
Self Study
1
NCC
AWS Cloud Practitioner
NA
1
1
Self Study
1
NCC
OffSec Cybersecurity Learn one
NA
1
1
Self Study
1
NCC
CompTIA ATF+
NA
1
0
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
POGIL Faculty Development (MCCC)
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.
DEC 2024
Wissahickon HS Hackathon (MCCC)
MCCC hosted the Wissahickon High School Hackathon and information about PC4A was shared with participants, highlighting the importance of certifications and career opportunities.
DEC 2024
MCIU Cyber Awareness Fair (MCCC)
Faculty and staff attended the MCIU Cyber Awareness Fair which consisted of 15 activity stations to introduce students to computing, coding, and cybersecurity.
NOV 2024
Future Ready Conference (BUCKS)
Staff attended the annual Future Ready Conference and shared information on the project.
NOV 2024
Butler Area Vo-Tech Career Day (BC3)
Representatives attended the Butler Area Vo-Tech Career Day and shared information about the project and programs available at BC3.
NOV 2024
Somerset Career and Tech Center Visit (PHCC)
The Co-PI visited the Somerset Career and Technical Center to share information on the PC4A project and provide hands-on activities.
OCT 2024
HS Instructors Meeting (MCCC)
MCCC hosted a High School CIS Instructors Meeting to discuss curriculum, initiatives, and opportunities. Details on PC4A benefits were shared with attendees.
OCT 2024
Open House (NCC)
Faculty and staff attended an open house at the NCC Bethlehem campus. Benefits available through PC4A and details of programs were shared with participants.
OCT 2024
Open House (MCCC)
An open house was held at MCCC’s Blue Bell campus and PC4A information was shared with participants.
OCT 2024
Open House (BUCKS)
The Co-PI attended an open house and shared information on benefits available through PC4A and details of programs offered.
OCT 2024
Open House (NCC)
Faculty and staff attended an open house at the Pocono campus and information on the project was shared with participants.
OCT 2024
Open House (WCCC)
Faculty attended an open house and information on the PC4A Project was provided to participants.
SEP 2024
South Hills HS CTF (PHCC)
PHCC hosted a capture-the-flag event for students from South Hills High School.
OCT 2024
17th Annual Cybersecurity Day (LO)
The 17th Annual IUP Cybersecurity Day was held with speakers from DoD CIO, NSA, AFRL, and NRL among others, and attended by PC4A students and faculty.
OCT 2024
Historic Bristol Day (BUCKS)
Staff attended Historic Bristol Day and shared information on the project and available programs at BUCKS.
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.
NOV 2024
Time Travel Day (WCCC)
A “Time Travel Day” was hosted by the Cybertech and History clubs to showcase retro technology.
OCT 2024
Security Clearance Lunch and Learn (LO)
Concurrent Technologies Corporation hosted two virtual Lunch and Learn events for partner students to learn more about clearances and employment with the DoD.
OCT 2024
Dual Enrollment Day (MCCC)
Dual Enrollment Day was held for students to experience what college is like. Project information was shared with all participants.
SEP 2025
PA Auditor General Campus Visit (NCC)
Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy DeFoor visited NCC to discuss career pathways for students with associate degrees.
AUG 2024
Robotics Camp (NCC)
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!
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.
OCT 2024
ISC2 Chapter Meeting (PHCC)
The Co-PI represented PHCC and the PC4A Project at the (ISC)2 Chapter Meeting.
OCT 2024
National Cybersecurity Colloquium (LO/PHCC)
The PI and PHCC Co-PI attended the 2024 National Cybersecurity Education Colloquium in St. Louis, MO.
OCT 2024
Board of Trustees Meeting (NCC)
Co-PIs attended the NCC Board of Trustees annual meeting and shared an update on the project.
SEP 2024
Tobyhanna Army Depot Career Fair (NCC)
Staff attended the Tobyhanna Army Depot career fair and shared information about the project.
SEP 2024
Community Engagement Breakfast (BC3)
The Co-PI attended a community engagement breakfast to share details on the project and opportunities for upskilling.
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."