DARTMOUTH, Mass. - The Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 102nd Intelligence Wing and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth signed an agreement Monday to establish collaborative programs in the field of cybersecurity.
The agreement outlines the framework for future training and interaction between military personnel and university students and faculty and identifies several areas where the organizations will work together.
The partnership includes cooperative program development where Airmen will assist the university in offering the most relevant academic and cybersecurity courses and also provides students with internships and avenues for formal professional mentorship.
UMass Dartmouth will assist the 102nd Intelligence Wing by providing access to mobile training teams to keep military personnel abreast of the most current developments in computer forensics. The agreement also establishes a joint campaign to make students more aware of the educational benefits earned through military service and specific career opportunities with the 102nd Intelligence Wing on Joint Base Cape Cod.
“We’re excited to work with the 102nd to strengthen the cybersecurity of our nation,” said UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Robert E. Johnson. “I want you and your colleagues to know that UMass Dartmouth is fully committed to making sure that our men and women serving in the armed services today and in the future have both the skillset and mindset to take on any foe or any enemy.”
“The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is a world-class research university with an incredible cybersecurity and engineering perspective that is a natural fit,” said 102nd Intelligence Wing Commander Col. Virginia I. Gaglio. “The Air National Guard strengthens its forces by embracing local, state, federal and global partnerships. Today we’re celebrating our relationship with the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth which is at the very roots of the Air National Guard, ensuring we have the right Airmen, education and tools to be our nation’s premier fighting force.”
“This is a great opportunity for young people in our area,” said Massachusetts Congressman William R. Keating, speaking about the agreement’s regional and national significance.
“These are the jobs of the future.”