Carroll Community College to Launch Cyber and Artificial Intelligence Clinic as Part of Statewide Workforce Initiative

Westminster, Md. — Carroll Community College will participate in a new Cyber and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Clinic initiative as one of three awardees of the Maryland Department of Labor’s latest grant program to strengthen the state’s cyber workforce. This initiative, unveiled by Governor Wes Moore following his recent State of the State address, is a $4 million statewide investment aimed at preparing Maryland’s workers and employers for a future shaped by AI and emerging technologies. Through the Cyber & AI Clinic program, Carroll will partner with Howard Community College (HCC) and Frederick Community College (FCC) to expand a successful cybersecurity clinic model into Carroll County, bringing real-world cybersecurity training opportunities to Carroll students and low- or no-cost cyber services to local organizations in need.

Under the grant, Howard Community College’s existing Cyber & AI Clinic, operated by the nonprofit Cyber Ready Clinic established by Ron and Cyndi Gula, will be expanded to Carroll and Frederick as part of a collaborative effort to boost both workforce readiness and community cyber resilience. Over the three-year project period, the Carroll-HCC-FCC clinic is expected to engage roughly 200 student interns, giving them paid, hands-on experience at the intersection of cybersecurity and AI.

Interns from Carroll’s cybersecurity and tech programs will work under expert supervision to support the digital security needs of nonprofits, schools, healthcare providers, youth and disability service agencies, workforce development organizations, and other community institutions that often lack the resources to protect themselves against evolving cyber threats. This innovative approach will not only help fill critical cybersecurity talent gaps but also provide vulnerable community organizations with access to modern, AI-enhanced cyber protections they might otherwise be unable to afford.

“Carroll Community College is proud to be part of this innovative Cyber and AI Clinic initiative,” said Dr. Kelly Koermer, Vice President of Workforce, Business & Community Education. “This partnership with Howard and Frederick Community Colleges and the Cyber Ready Clinic emphasizes hands-on, real-world learning, giving students practical experience responding to active cybersecurity and AI challenges. At the same time, the clinic provides our nonprofit and community partners with much-needed technical support and strengthened cyber defenses, creating meaningful value for organizations that serve our region. This initiative reflects our commitment to applied learning that benefits both our students and the communities they support.”

Participation in the Cyber and AI Clinic aligns closely with Carroll Community College’s mission to support workforce development and community engagement. By blending advanced experiential learning opportunities with direct community service, the College continues to empower learners, change lives, and build community in Carroll County. As Maryland leads in confronting emerging cyber threats, Carroll Community College is proud to help ensure that no Maryland worker or community organization is left behind in the AI-powered economy.

On November 4, 2025, Carroll Community College celebrated its Cyber Range with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony, officially marking the College’s entry into Maryland’s Cyber Workforce Accelerator (CWA) program. The event represents a significant step forward in Carroll’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for high‑demand careers in cybersecurity and information technology. 

Click here to hear about one Cyber student’s experience.

To learn more about the current Cyber Programs at Carroll Community College, go to The Cyber Workforce Accelerator Program or Associate Degree in Cybersecurity

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About Carroll Community College:
Carroll Community College’s mission is Empowering learners. Changing lives. Building community. Carroll Community College (Carroll) provides accessible, high-quality educational opportunities to advance careers, enrich lives, and strengthen the community we serve. Carroll offers academic and career preparation leading to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and for direct entry into professional opportunities. Carroll Community College is located at 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, Md., 21157. Visit us on our website at www.carrollcc.edu.