As printed in the 2025 Q1 Alabama Minute newsletter.

The ACCS has teamed with Advantage Consulting & Solutions to launch the inaugural cohort of the Alabama Cybersecurity Fellowship Program, giving students both classroom lessons and hands-on training in cybersecurity.

Thanks to funding from Innovate Alabama, students at Wallace-Dothan, Enterprise State, and Trenholm State Community Colleges will begin a 16-week internship course in Spring 2025, earning $18 per hour and three college credits toward their computer science degree.

“It’s been hard for cybersecurity students to find these opportunities,” said Dr. Abby Carter, ACCS Associate Director of Computer Information/Technology Instructional Programs. “This fellowship solves that problem.”

Advantage Consulting & Solutions offers students a simulated computer network environment, mimicking commercial and public sector networks, to provide hands-on cybersecurity experience without exposing sensitive information.

“We’re helping students start at the basics, providing them the tools and knowledge they need to prevent these common mistakes and protect systems in the real world,” said Kelvin Seldon, CEO of Advantage Consulting & Solutions.

Trenholm State Community College student Amari Raye will be among the first participants. “First, I love cyber security. Since I gained an interest over time as a child with computers, I thought cyber security, protecting people and keeping them safe with their information would be the best thing for me,” said Raye.