New cybersecurity program in Mercer County involving Thiel College students underway

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Six Thiel College students are enrolled in a new cybersecurity program launched at LindenPointe Development Corporation in Mercer County.

The Pennsylvania Cybersecurity Center in Hermitage, Pa. has developed a program that will provide Thiel students with cybersecurity training and certification opportunities. Students in the program can also get paid internships and apprenticeships in the cybersecurity industry.

Six students from Thiel are currently enrolled in the pilot cohort of the program.

• Andrew Born ’24, of Fremont, Ohio, is a computer science major and a 2020 graduate of Fremont-Ross High School.
• Riley Davis ’24, of Karns City, Pa., is a computer science major and a 2020 graduate of Karns City High School.
• Jacob Frantz ’23, of Greenville, Pa., is a computer science major and a 2019 graduate of Greenville Senior High School.
• Nicholas Jacobs ’24, of New Castle, Pa., is a computer science major and a 2020 graduate of Union Area High School.
• Tyler Reecks ’22, of Fort Washington, Md., is a computer science major and a 2015 graduate of Friendly High School.
• Rodney Washburn ’24, of Vandalia, Ohio, is a computer science major and a 2020 graduate of Butler High School in Ohio.

 Following their completion of the pilot program, these students will take the CompTIA Security+ course that begins in early March.

Thiel students interested in learning more about the program should contact the Office of Admissions.

“With approximately 16,000 open cybersecurity positions in Pennsylvania alone, and more than 600,000 across the country, the Pennsylvania Cybersecurity Center represents an opportunity for our area to become a leader in training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals,” executive director at LindenPointe Development Corporation Jeffrey Meier said.

The pilot program began in mid-February with 15 high school students and 15 college students from regional high schools, universities, and colleges, including Thiel College.

A $250,000 grant, announced by state Representative Mark Longietti in December 2021, has helped launch the pilot program and cover the students’ costs for courses.

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