Building North Carolina’s Cybersecurity Talent Pipeline Together
Carolina Cyber Network is a statewide collaboration of colleges, universities, education partners, employers, government agencies, and community organizations working to prepare more students for cybersecurity careers.
CCN helps institutions work together on opportunities that are difficult to build alone. Students gain access to competitions, cyber ranges, mentoring, internships, applied projects, employer connections, and community-based experiences that complement what they learn in the classroom.
More than 4,000 students studied in cybersecurity programs at CCN member institutions during the 2024–25 academic year.
In 2025, 232 students from 14 colleges participated in CCN-supported internships. Through CyberSafe Communities, Applied Cyber Operations, competitions, mentoring, and employer engagement, students developed practical skills while contributing to real organizations and communities.
These experiences form a more connected pathway:
Awareness → Competition → Mentorship → Internship → Employment
CCN brings institutions and partners together to share expertise, expand hands-on learning, and create more consistent opportunities for students across North Carolina.
Member institutions collaborate on programs, faculty development, competitions, internships, and other workforce initiatives. Employers and government partners help students understand real cybersecurity environments, develop professional relationships, and prepare for the expectations of the workplace.
Through CyberSafe Communities and related outreach, students also apply their growing skills while helping businesses, public agencies, nonprofits, schools, and communities strengthen their cybersecurity readiness.
Carolina Cyber Network was founded in 2021 by Fayetteville Technical Community College and Montreat College, with support from cybersecurity professionals at RBX Solutions.
What began as a partnership to create a more complete path from education to employment has grown into a statewide network of colleges, universities, and education partners. In 2023, CCN was cited in the National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy as an example of collaborative cybersecurity workforce development.
CCN continues to grow by connecting the people already doing the work and creating more ways for students to learn, contribute, gain experience, and enter the cybersecurity profession.
Strengthen North Carolina’s cybersecurity capabilities through a coordinated, work-ready talent development system connecting education, industry, government, and communities.
A connected statewide cybersecurity workforce pipeline that gives students meaningful opportunities to develop their skills, gain experience, and move into cybersecurity careers.
Every CCN program and partnership should create meaningful opportunities for students to learn, contribute, build relationships, and prepare for what comes next.
Working Across North Carolina
Interested in engaging students, sharing expertise, or supporting the network? Learn how to partner with CCN.
CCN works with:
- Colleges, universities, and education partners preparing students for cybersecurity careers
- Employers seeking emerging talent and opportunities to engage with students
- Government agencies and public-sector organizations strengthening their workforce and resilience
- Businesses, nonprofits, schools, and communities that benefit from practical cybersecurity support
- Sponsors and mission-aligned investors helping expand access, capacity, and student opportunity
Continue Exploring
Read the 2025 Annual Report
See how CCN grew to 23 member institutions, served 4,367 students, graduated 827 students, and expanded hands-on learning, competitions, mentorship, internships, and other work-based experiences across the network. Read the 2025 Annual Report.
Explore CCN’s Strategic Priorities
For 2026, the Carolina Cyber Network (CCN) remains committed to advancing student engagement, workforce readiness, and collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners. Explore CCN’s Strategic Priorities.
View Member and Affiliate Institutions
Meet the colleges, universities, and education partners working together to expand cybersecurity education, hands-on experience, and career pathways across North Carolina. View Members and Affiliate Institutions.