UMass Dartmouth students and military personnel will be getting more training in cybersecurity thanks to a new partnership between the university and the Air National Guard.

On April 29, officials signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop education and workforce training in cybersecurity. It will bring together the staff of the 102nd Intelligence Wing and UMass Dartmouth faculty.

Cybersecurity undergraduate and graduate programs, certificats, and concentrations are planned. Base staff engaged in cybersecurity efforts will serve as mentors for interested university students.

The groups will also collaborate to bring more visibility to the cybersecurity field.

Congressman William R. Keating (D-MA) noted the program will serve as an example of how the Department of Defense and academic institutions can collaborate, and noted the nation needs trained individuals to protect its networks.

“We are excited to work with the 102nd Intelligence Wing to strengthen the cybersecurity of our nation,” said UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Robert E. Johnson. “UMass Dartmouth is fully committed to making sure our men and women serving in the armed services are future ready with the skill set and mindset to support the sanctity and security of the American dream.”

The agreement was signed by Chancellor Johnson and Colonel Gaglio just prior to a presentation to students by Colonel Gaglio on current and future cybersecurity challenges facing the nation and how the 102nd works to defend the U.S. from cyber threats.