CyberPatriot camp advances regional Security Operations Center designation
This July, San Jacinto College helped train tomorrow's aerospace leaders in cybersecurity skills while advancing its regional Security Operations Center goal.
From July 6-10, the South Campus Security Operations Center, a lab equipped with high-performance computers and industry-standard software and monitoring tools, hosted the CyberPatriot camp in partnership with Ellington Civil Air Patrol.
San Jac’s information technology services team and office of cybersecurity helped
set up the camp, which was led by two NASA contractor cybersecurity professionals.
“This camp was more than a one-week learning experience,” said Joshua Dray, San Jac’s chief information security officer. “It was an example of how San Jac is using its cybersecurity program, Security Operations Center, and regional partnerships to create early exposure, hands-on learning, and a stronger talent pipeline for the Gulf Coast.”
The College is currently seeking to expand the center into a Gulf Coast regional Security Operations Center, which would work with Texas Cyber Command and regional partners to provide student-powered cybersecurity services to small and medium businesses, school districts, public organizations, critical infrastructure partners, and more.
More than 750 students are pursuing San Jac’s cybersecurity and computer information technology programs, and the College is positioning that talent pipeline to support academic success and regional cyber readiness.
“For the College, becoming a regional Security Operations Center would strengthen our role as a cybersecurity workforce development leader, create additional student learning and internship pathways, and expand our ability to support regional partners with cybersecurity awareness, training, resiliency, and operational collaboration,” Dray said.
Learn more about San Jac's cybersecurity programs
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today,
and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than
1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving
the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately
45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and
certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer
to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding
bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
