ROCKY MOUNT — Nash Community College is reporting continued progress in its National Science Foundation grant initiative aimed at expanding cybersecurity education, increasing access to industry-recognized certifications and preparing students for careers in the information technology workforce.
The grant supports the college’s Nighthawk Cyber Alliance, an initiative designed to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and workforce readiness across academic programs while reducing barriers for students pursuing information technology credentials.
As the college enters the third year of the grant, officials said students are already seeing expanded certification opportunities, updated cybersecurity curriculum and enhanced workforce preparation.
A primary focus of the initiative is reducing financial barriers to industry-recognized certifications by covering testing costs and establishing NCC as an authorized testing center.
During the 2025-26 academic year, the college hosted four certification test events, allowing students to earn credentials at no cost. Students earned 41 industry certifications as a result, including Information Technology Specialist certifications, Cisco Certified Support Technician certifications, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications.
“These certifications provide students with valuable credentials that demonstrate their knowledge and skills to employers,” said Lew K. Hunnicutt, president of NCC. “The NSF grant is helping remove financial barriers while creating opportunities for students to graduate with both academic credentials and industry-recognized certifications that strengthen their career prospects.”
The grant has also supported the development of embedded cybersecurity instructional modules within six information technology courses. Students who complete the modules can earn a Cyber Safety Badge in addition to their associate degree.
In May 2026, two students became the first graduates of the program to earn the acclaim.
The program’s impact has extended beyond information technology courses. Students in office management and medical office administration have also completed cybersecurity lessons as part of their coursework. Faculty partnerships have expanded cyber safety education into additional disciplines, including graphic design, early childhood education, criminal justice, medical office administration and advanced manufacturing technology.
Several programs introduced discipline-specific cyber safety modules in spring 2026, with additional implementation planned for the fall.
“Our goal has always been to make cybersecurity education accessible and meaningful across all academic disciplines,” said Nakisha Floyd, department chair of business and information technologies at NCC. “Whether a student is pursuing a career in information technology, healthcare, manufacturing, education or business, cyber awareness is an essential workforce skill.”
The NSF grant continues to support NCC’s broader workforce development and technology education efforts. As the third year begins, college leaders expect continued expansion of cybersecurity training and additional credentialing opportunities aligned with regional workforce needs.
For more information about the information technology program and the Nighthawk Cyber Alliance, contact Floyd at 252-451-8299 or nwfloyd583@nashcc.edu.