Ivy Tech expands cyber security training, opens new lab at StoneGate in Bedford

Ivy Tech Cyber Security students

BLOOMINGTON – Ivy Tech Community College has expanded its cyber security program and is now offering certification training at the StoneGate Arts & Education Center in Bedford, Ind., located downtown on the square.

Bedford Mayor Sam Craig says that even Southern Indiana is vulnerable to cyber threats, cybercrime, and information security risks.

“In an effort to promote a data security culture, Ivy Tech Bloomington has partnered with the City of Bedford, StoneGate, and Radius Indiana to bring this new cyber security training lab to StoneGate downtown. Classes held there will train individuals in safeguarding area business operations and critical information,” said Craig. “The City of Bedford is happy to have a state-of-the-art facility to accommodate the needs of the local workforce and to serve local citizens.”

Ivy Tech Bloomington Chancellor Jennie Vaughan is pleased that the college is able to offer cyber security training that is close to home for residents of Lawrence Co. and surrounding areas.

“We are appreciative of the partnership with the City of Bedford, StoneGate, and Radius,” said Vaughan. “This partnership makes it possible for Ivy Tech to offer affordable cyber security training for residents and local employers.”

Jeff Quyle, president and CEO of Radius Indiana, says that cyber security employment is increasing significantly in the region.

“We are pleased that Ivy Tech and Bedford are such reliable and effective partners in this initiative to meet the labor needs of local businesses and governments,” said Quyle. “Crane and its many contractors have a focus on the field of cyber security, and regional employment in this field will continue to grow. Ivy Tech’s cyber security lab is a big part of the pipeline that will supply the labor force our region needs.”

Executive Director of StoneGate and president of the Lawrence Co. Commissioners Gene McCracken says that StoneGate is thrilled to have the opportunity to offer this needed program in the building that will help students learn new skills in cyber security.

“Through our partnership with Ivy Tech, we can be part of the solution to address critical cyber issues facing our community and region,” said McCracken. “Also, we would like to thank Radius Indiana for its generous contribution of new computers that will help equip our classroom.”

Starting in March, Ivy Tech cyber security training will be offered at StoneGate in multiple formats, including 8-week courses during the day, 8-week evening courses, and one-week bootcamps.

From March 9-13, Ivy Tech is offering its first week-long Cyber Security Bootcamp to prepare participants to earn their CompTIA Security+ certification. Bootcamp classes will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be held at StoneGate in Bedford.

Individuals who complete the Bootcamp will be eligible to sit for the current CompTIA Security+ certification, which is an entry-level workforce credential for some cyber security positions. Additionally, participants who successfully pass CompTIA Security+ can earn four Ivy Tech college credits to apply toward earning a credential.

“Because we have a new cyber security training lab at StoneGate, Ivy Tech can now offer other cyber security training courses that lead to a college certification or associate degree,” said Vaughan. “With enough demand, students will be able to complete a full associate degree in cyber security at StoneGate, downtown Bedford.” 

Students who have not already earned a college degree, could be eligible to earn a tuition-free Ivy Tech certification in cyber security, paid for by the Workforce Ready Grant through Next Level Jobs Indiana.

For more information about the CompTIA Security+ Bootcamp from March 9-13 in Bedford visit ivytech.edu/bloomington/workforce.

For more information about earning a tuition-free, cyber security credential at Ivy Tech and to apply for free, visit ivytech.edu/bloomington/nextleveljobs.