Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) has established a new center for IT and cybersecurity that will offer cybersecurity training and provide students with the skills needed to enter the cybersecurity field.
The Center for Information Technology and Cybersecurity, which was developed in collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), is set to open in fall 2025.
NNSA awarded NNMC a $376,675 grant, which will be used to fund a faculty director position, upgrade hardware and software, and support outreach activities designed to attract more students to the cybersecurity field.
Once opened, the center will offer a four-year degree program along with professional development opportunities. As part of its offerings, the center will provide hands-on training in safeguarding organizations from cyber threats and will prepare students for a wide range of roles, including forensic analysts and information security engineers, among others.
“New Mexico is at the forefront of innovation, and this partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory positions our students to play a vital role in securing the future of our country,” said Hector Balderas, NNMC president.
President Balderas emphasized the importance of this new initiative, stating, “This partnership strengthens our commitment to economic development and workforce preparedness in Northern New Mexico. Our students will have the opportunity to gain specialized skills that are in high demand, positioning them for success in high-paying cybersecurity careers.”