Johnston Community College Awarded $565,000 NSF Grant to Advance Cybersecurity Education

Johnston Community College Awarded Second NSF Grant to Advance Cybersecurity Education

Smithfield, N.C. — September 3, 2025 – Johnston Community College (JCC) has been awarded a three-year, $565,044 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support its cybersecurity programs.

The funded project focuses on integrating employability skills, which employers seek from graduates, with technical expertise. This award will expand opportunities for JCC students to participate in cybersecurity competitions, workforce training, and professional skill development.

“Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in our region and nationwide,” said JCC President Dr. Vern L. Lindquist. “With this NSF support, we can give our students the technical knowledge and workplace skills that employers demand.”

The three-year initiative will engage more than 180 students in hands-on learning experiences. Funding will also provide resources for travel to national competitions, purchase of cutting-edge materials and supplies, and support for student stipends.

JCC leaders credit Mentor Connect, a national program that provides guidance to two-year colleges seeking NSF grants, for their continued support in the grant process. “Mentor Connect has been instrumental in guiding our team, and we are grateful for their mentorship,” said Daphne Lewis, director of institutional grants at JCC. “We are excited to see this project come to life and help our students thrive.”

This is Johnston Community College’s second NSF-funded cybersecurity initiative in consecutive years, reflecting the institution’s commitment to addressing workforce needs in information security while opening new doors for students.

The grant aligns with NSF’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program, which invests in strengthening the skills of technicians in high-demand fields across the United States.

It also builds on JCC’s growing reputation in cybersecurity education. In 2024, the college received a $645,836 NSF grant to establish a Simulated Cyber Range Training Environment, providing students with realistic, hands-on experiences in responding to cyber threats.

The college is also a proud member of the Carolina Cyber Network, a statewide collaboration dedicated to advancing the cybersecurity workforce and sharing resources across North Carolina.

For more information on Johnston Community College’s Information Technology and Cybersecurity Programs, as well as its AI Engineer program in partnership with Wayne Community College, visit: www.johnstoncc.edu.

 


Cutline: Cybersecurity students in the Security Operation Simulation Center at JCC

 

About Johnston Community College


Johnston Community College, located in Smithfield, North Carolina, is one of 58 community colleges in the state, serving more than 14,000 students annually. The college offers degree, diploma, and certificate programs, along with workforce training and continuing education opportunities. JCC is dedicated to preparing students for success in careers that fuel economic growth in the region and beyond.