Of nine universities across the United States, Texas A&M University-San Antonio is the only higher education institution in the state of Texas selected to join the competitive Facebook Cyber Security Program. On Wednesday, August 29, TAMU-SA kicked off its partnership with a public gathering at its Southside campus. The event featured TAMU-SA President Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, Facebook Information Security Program and Operations Manager Stephanie Siteman, and Congressman Will Hurd via video.
What does this program mean for TAMU-SA? This past summer, Facebook sponsored students to attend the Black Hat Conference and DEF CON in Las Vegas. Starting this semester, students will have the chance to enroll in, and earn three credits through, a Facebook-sponsored cyber security course. As part of the program, students will have an opportunity to interact with Facebook employees through a hybrid course. Students that claim the top spots in the class will even get to apply for internships directly through Facebook.
What does this program mean for the San Antonio community at large? 60% of TAMU-SA’s students are women, 72% are Hispanic, and 77% are the first generation college students. This partnership is a strategic and intentional way to increase representation within the cybersecurity industry and demonstrates a forward-looking plan to integrate more women and minorities into the information security world.
What are the next steps? This new partnership demonstrates excellence in each of those areas, and San Antonio is proud of the entire Jaguar community. TAMU San Antonio’s partnership with Facebook is an excellent example of public-private partnerships born out of Cyber City USA’s penchant for collaboration, community, and cross-sector relationships.
When TAMU-SA dedicates its brand new science and technology building on Tuesday, September 25 at 10 AM, mark your calendar, and be sure to attend. Meet the faculty, greet the students, and celebrate this wonderful achievement.
