HCC Secures $550K in Grants for Innovation & Cybersecurity Workforce Development

Howard Community College (HCC) in Maryland is expanding its role as a regional hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and cybersecurity workforce development, bolstered by February 20, 2026 announcements of two significant state grants totaling $550,000.

Strengthening Cybersecurity and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

The funding comes from TEDCO’s inaugural Baltimore Innovation Initiative (BII) and the Moore-Miller Administration’s Cyber Maryland Program. HCC is the sole community college among thirteen institutions selected for TEDCO’s BII Pilot Program, receiving $50,000 through its Center for Entrepreneurial and Business Excellence (CEBE). This grant will be used to strengthen the region’s entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has also designated HCC as one of three statewide awardees for the Cyber Maryland Program’s new Cyber and AI Clinic initiative, awarding $500,000. This substantial funding will expand a successful cyber clinic model, originally developed in partnership with Cyber Ready Clinic, to both Frederick Community College and Carroll Community College. The initiative aims to deliver low-cost or free cybersecurity services to nonprofit organizations across the state.

A Commitment to Economic Mobility and Community Transformation

“These two awards affirm what our students and faculty demonstrate every day — that community colleges are engines of entrepreneurship, economic mobility, and community transformation,” stated HCC President Daria J. Willis. “We are proud to be among Maryland’s leading colleges and universities in collaboration with respected cybersecurity organizations in building prosperity through innovation.”

The TEDCO BII grant will support CEBE’s initiative, “Building an Ecosystem for Innovation, Training & Community Impact,” led by Co-Director Helen Rose. CEBE provides a range of resources, including degree and certificate programs, business coaching, and events like the annual Rocket Pitch Entrepreneurial Celebration. HCC shares the BII funding with Johns Hopkins University and Loyola University Maryland, collectively receiving $647,000.

Expanding Cybersecurity Access and Training

The Cyber Maryland Clinic award builds upon HCC’s existing commitment to cybersecurity access. In September 2024, HCC received a $200,000 NIST RAMPS grant to establish the original Howard County clinic. The expansion to Frederick and Carroll Community Colleges will create a tri-college coalition, providing supervised, hands-on training environments for current and prospective cybersecurity professionals. These professionals will deliver real-world services to under-resourced community institutions in areas such as health, youth services, disability services, and workforce development.

HCC anticipates that the expanded clinic network will train at least 200 cybersecurity professionals while simultaneously protecting dozens of client organizations throughout the state. This initiative addresses a critical need for skilled cybersecurity personnel and provides valuable services to organizations that may lack the resources to secure their systems independently.

Intersection of Access, Innovation, and Workforce Readiness

“This funding reflects how HCC is at the intersection of access, innovation, and workforce readiness — serving students, small businesses, and community organizations across the Baltimore-Washington corridor,” Rose explained. The grants underscore the growing importance of community colleges in addressing workforce development needs and fostering economic growth in the region.

The expansion of cybersecurity services to nonprofits is particularly significant. These organizations often handle sensitive data and are vulnerable to cyberattacks, yet frequently lack the financial and technical expertise to implement robust security measures. The Cyber Maryland Clinic initiative offers a vital resource to protect these organizations and the communities they serve.

The focus on both innovation and cybersecurity reflects a broader trend in recognizing the interconnectedness of these fields. As technology continues to evolve, the need for both entrepreneurial thinking and robust cybersecurity practices will only increase. HCC’s commitment to developing expertise in both areas positions it as a key player in shaping the future of the regional economy.