Rep. Peters Secures $1 Million for San Diego City College to Fund New State-of-the-Art CyberLab Incubator

San Diego, CA - San Diego City College has received $1 million in federal funding to create a CyberLab Incubator - a new training hub providing students with real-world experience defending the complex networks that keep our lives and economy running. The project builds on City's innovative Bachelor of Science in Cyber Defense and Analysis, designed to train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

The CyberLab Incubator will combine a hands-on learning lab with an incubator that helps students and faculty develop cyber projects and startups. Inside the lab, students will take on realistic ransomware and network-attack scenarios in a safe, simulated environment. They'll configure servers, run exercises, and practice incident response - all without the risk of disrupting live systems. The lab will also feature high-performance computers and laptops needed to power this kind of advanced cyber range.

The project was made possible through the support of U.S. Representative Scott Peters, who secured a $1,031,000 federal appropriation to fund the new center. Peters represents California's 50th Congressional District, which includes San Diego City College.

"One of the most important parts of my job is to bring home federal resources that improves quality of life and delivers real, tangible benefits for San Diegans," said Rep. Scott Peters. "San Diego City College's innovative CyberLab Incubator is exactly the kind of project the federal government should support. The new training hub will better prepare City College students for careers in cybersecurity - an evolving field where we need the best and brightest minds to keep our nation safe."

The CyberLab will be a key resource for the college's new Cyber Defense and Analysis bachelor's program, which will graduate its first class in May. The program, the only one of its kind in California, is equipping students with the skills and knowledge to protect critical digital infrastructure and strengthen cybersecurity across industries and government agencies.

"This dedicated cybersecurity training center isn't a luxury; it's essential," said City College President Ricky Shabazz. "It will be the heart of our program, helping our students and our region stand strong against the growing and ever-changing threats to our digital economy and national security."

In the San Diego metro region, information security analysts earn an average of about $130,900 per year (about $62.93 per hour), with approximately 10% of workers earning $217,940 or more. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of information security analysts to grow about 29% from 2024 to 2034, far above the average for all occupations.

San Diego City College was recently recognized by Programs.com as having one of California's top cybersecurity degree programs, underscoring the college's leadership in preparing students for high-demand careers in a rapidly evolving field. In addition to the baccalaureate program, students can earn an Associate of Science in Cybersecurity and shorter certificates in Cybersecurity, Network Security I, Network Security II, and Cyber Operations. Coursework is highly hands-on, using virtual labs that mirror real-world situations in securing systems, keeping them running, managing access, and investigating cyber incidents.

Together, the associate and bachelor's programs are aligned with national cybersecurity education and Department of Defense workforce standards, ensuring students gain the skills needed for today's cyber careers and to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies and threats.

As one of the largest of California's 73 community college districts, the San Diego Community College District serves approximately 90,000 students annually through its four colleges. San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College, and San Diego Mesa College offer associate degrees and certificates in occupational programs that prepare students for university transfer and good-paying careers. The credit colleges also offer bachelor's degrees in high demand fields such as Health Information Management, Cyber Defense and Analysis, and Public Safety Management. San Diego College of Continuing Education, a statewide leader in noncredit education, offers free, adult education programs at seven campuses throughout San Diego.

Photo, from left: Cyber Defense and Analysis Professor David Kennemer, City College Associated Student Body President Celina Martinez, Congressman Scott Peters, SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith, SDCCD Board of Trustees President Geysil Arroyo, and City College President Ricky Shabazz celebrate $1,031,000 in new funding for a new Cyber Lab that will benefit cybersecurity students at San Diego City College (City College photo).

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