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MRCC now accredited cybersecurity training center

Posted: by Patricia Gibson, Communications Director
News Blog Category - News Marion Regional Career Center’s award-winning Cybersecurity and Information Technology Academy is pleased to announce it is now an official EC-Council Accredited Training Center partner.

The collaboration is aimed at providing the highest quality industry-recognized cybersecurity training and certification credentials to students such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), Certified Network Defender (CND) and several others. These career-focused credentials cover a broad scope of hands-on cybersecurity education so students can achieve the highest quality skills and credentials, differentiating themselves to employers looking to hire.

EC-Council has been a global leader in cybersecurity skills development and certification since 2001, working with top level private and public sector organizations, many of which are Fortune 500 companies across the world. EC-Council certified professionals have become some of the most sought-after professionals by organizations worldwide.

Students enrolled in the program can now qualify for opportunities to earn industry recognized certifications, also accessing study plans, projects, and community forums while gaining the assistance of cybersecurity experts from across the globe. Upon completion of the course, students can take the certification exam and proceed directly into careers in the highly lucrative cybersecurity industry, or continue their education at a college or university. Students will also earn high school and college credit for taking the course.

“There is a scary talent shortage and a lack of awareness in the cybersecurity field today,” said MRCC instructor Dr. Travis Hueston. “Cybercrime is far more aggressive than it has ever been, and individuals, companies, and organizations of all sizes are falling prey to it. Cybercriminals are using advanced technology to launch sophisticated attacks and inflict huge financial and reputational damage to organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies, to government agencies, and even schools. This partnership with EC-Council will help MRCC to establish itself as one of Indiana’s top trusted sources for cybersecurity education at the secondary level. Marion High School is one of the only high schools with this designation in the state.”

MRCC Director Mike Ripperger said expanding students’ career options is always in the forefront of their efforts, with an eye toward employer needs now and in the future.

“We are thrilled to become and accredited training center in cyber security and look forward to expanding our student’s knowledge and their ability to become employable in the field after graduation or continue their education at a secondary institution, while at the same time earning traditional high school and college dual credit,” Ripperger said.

Wesley Alvarez, director of academics for the EC-Council, welcomed MRCC.

“We are pleased to welcome the Marion Regional Career Center as an EC-Council ATC Partner within the State of Indiana, he said. “Their partnerships and articulation efforts with local colleges and universities to accept credit for EC-Council courses is key to encouraging students to pursue cybersecurity focused concentrations and degrees in higher education. We look forward to supporting the development of these skills and abilities most commonly used in today’s cybersecurity workforce, at the high school level.”

The Marion Regional Career Center Cyber Security and Information Technology Academy is open to all of our participating schools in the county. Students who are interested should contact their counselor or Nate McNeely at MRCC, 765-664-9091.