Homeland Security Resource Center Offers Degree and Professional Certification Programs to Train Illinois Workers and Ensure Companies Have a Skilled Workforce to Meet Homeland Security Needs

CHICAGO - Delivering on his commitment to make Illinois a leading center for homeland security education and training, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced $57,000 in funding to support the creation of the Computer Security Training Center (CSTC) at Harper College.  CSTC provides both a degree program and professional certification in homeland security information technology (IT), as well as a training course in current IT and cyber security methods for higher education institutions, industry and government organizations.  The funding is being provided through Gov. Blagojevich’s Innovative Product Grant (IPG) Program administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Homeland Security Market Development (HSMD) bureau.  IPG funds are intended to help create jobs and increase economic activity in Illinois, while strengthening the state’s competitive position as a leader in homeland security workforce training and education.  IPG is the nation’s first state-funded grant program for homeland security product commercialization, improvement and production.  

“When we talk about the most important requirements of the homeland security industry, information technology and cyber security are critical areas that must constantly be strengthened.  We are improving the skills of Illinois workers so they are better prepared to manage the challenges that may arise with protecting business information systems and network infrastructures today and tomorrow.  This investment in this innovative program at Harper College demonstrates our continued commitment to helping meet the ongoing challenges in the homeland security industry, and, ultimately, creating more high-paying, high-tech jobs,” Gov. Blagojevich said.

CSTC expects to enroll up to 50 students in the first year of the program and up to 100 students by the end of the second year by offering career track education and training in IT and cyber security to higher education institutions, industry and government organizations.  CSTC will officially launch in January.

“CSTC will enable government, private and non-profit organizations to receive training in current IT and cyber security methods in preparation for national certification in these critical areas,” said Jennifer Mathes, Dean of Business and Social Science at Harper College.  “The goal of the Center is to work with both the public and private sector to identify computer security training needs and offer credit and non-credit training programs for Illinois workers that prepare them for internships and professional job placement opportunities.”

“Illinois continues to extend its leadership position in the homeland security industry because of Gov. Blagojevich’s commitment to helping companies meet the ongoing challenges and opportunities within this key sector.  This investment in training and education will help make the world more secure and create more good jobs,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.

IT security professions are one of the nation’s most valuable resources and are on the front line defending the country’s corporate, government and academic IT infrastructures.  Harper College has designed the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Computers in Business with a specialization in Network Security, a security curriculum that covers six industry certifications, to prepare students and IT professionals for careers in network security and computer forensics.  Certification programs offered include Six Security+, Hardening the Infrastructure (HTI), Network Defense and Countermeasures (NDC), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).  CTSC will also offers an AAS and corresponding certificate program in Computer Forensics and Security.

CSTC’s twelve non-credit training opportunities include CompTIA Security, Basic Computer Forensics Examiner, Advanced Computer Forensics Examiner, Computer Forensics First Responder, Computer Forensics Program Manager, Computer Forensics Report Writing, Microsoft Security Clinics MS2801 and MS2802, Security for Microsoft Developers (MS2806), Windows Server 2003 Security (MS2823), Microsoft Network Security Design (MS2830) and Microsoft ISA Server (MS2159).  To ensure statewide coverage and capacity, several of these credit training opportunities are being marketed and offered to students from across the state through the Illinois Community College Online (ILCCO) Internet Course Exchange (ICE) Program.
  
CSTC has recruited 12 industry and law enforcement professionals to establish a Forensics and Network Security Advisory Board.  CSTC also partnered with local public safety agencies, including the Palatine Police Department and Harper College Public Safety, to develop and revise the existing academic programs in Public Safety.  Many of these same agencies, along with representatives from local industry, will be invited to participate in the advisory process to identify credit curriculum needs in IT security.  For more information about the CSTC industry certifications and various security training curriculums, visit http://www.harpercollege.edu (keyword search "security").
 
HSMD is focused on supporting businesses engaged in the homeland security industry with investment tools designed to help existing Illinois companies expand operations and utilize available state and federal programs, services and procurement opportunities relevant to homeland security.  HSMD has established technical, educational and research partnerships with Illinois colleges and universities, and partnered to create the nation’s most extensive business mutual aid system.  For more information on HSMD, visit www.hsmd.illinois.gov.