Neel Mehta
Raytheon will sponsor National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition and its regional qualifiers over the next three years in a drive to build cyber awareness and interest in science, technology, engineering and math careers.
“Our nation’s military, government and commercial sectors are in dire need of cyber talent as we rely ever more on the cyber domain and face ever-increasing threats,” Lynn Dugle, president of Raytheon’s intelligence, information and services unit, said Tuesday.
“We are committed to increasing awareness of and interest in cyber careers, and have partnered with NCCDC because we believe in its mission to provide hands-on experience needed for the next generation of cyber leaders.”
The company will serve as a title sponsor of the NCCDC, a competition that simulates real-world commercial business environments and challenges participants to combat live cyber attacks while managing information technology operations.
At least 180 collegiate teams will compete in the qualifying, state and regional competitions leading to the national championship from April 25 to 27 in San Antonio, Texas.
Raytheon will contribute products, technical guidance and employee volunteers for the competitions.
“We look forward to a long-term partnership that we hope will help narrow the gap in filling cyber security and information technology jobs that are critical to protecting the country against cyber threats,” said Dwayne Williams, director of NCCDC.
Williams said other partners include commercial and government institutions such as the Department of Homeland Security.
NCCDC was founded by the University of Texas San Antonio’s Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security in 2005.
