Cyber Program Spotlight: Edmonds College

Edmonds was one of the first institutions in the state of Washington to offer classes in digital forensics and data recovery and has been at the forefront of cyber defense education since 1999. Edmonds students receive real-world experience by conducting work as digital forensics examiners and cybersecurity analysts with local and national businesses.

The Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency have recertified Edmonds College as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense through 2026. “It is great to have been recognized and recertified once again as a Center of Excellence,” said instructor Steve Hailey. “We are internationally recognized, so our students come from all over the globe and have gone on to start their own successful digital forensics, data recovery, and cybersecurity businesses.”   

Since 2017, Edmonds has been designated as a Center of Academic Excellence by top subject matter experts in the cyber defense field based on the strength of its cyber defense and digital forensics programs, instructor expertise, and close alignment to stringent criteria and relevant knowledge units (KUs).  Edmonds offers a two-year associate degree in cyber defense and digital forensics, plus certificates that students can finish in as little as two quarters. 

Edmonds College has also established a partnership with T-Mobile and Edmonds School District on a Explorer Prep Career Launch training program. This 2-year fast-track program combines both college training and on-the-job training to give students access to well-paying technology positions in a much shorter period than more traditional college paths.  Students will be paid during the summer work experience, receive college credit, work side-by-side with technology experts, and an opportunity for future employment at T-Mobile.

High school Juniors applying for the Career Launch program can choose career pathways in becoming a Full Stack Developer, Cybersecurity Specialists, or UX/UI designers. The T-Mobile Career Launch program opens access to students that may not otherwise have opportunities for positions in the tech industry. The intent of the program is to be accessible, equitable, and really serve students that are underserved or disadvantaged. 

The Cybersecurity Center of Excellence recognizes Edmonds College partnership on the T-Mobile Career Launch program as a model that employers, school districts and community & technical colleges can emulate to expose students to the field of cybersecurity, streamline education pathways, and successfully fulfill workforce demand.  For more specific information about the T-Mobile Career Launch Program please visit HERE. 

Contact the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence today if you are an employer seeking support to establish a similar model to fill your cyber workforce needs.