CYBERSECURITY CERTIFICATION SCHOLARSHIPS

In 2023, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signed House Bill 2049, detailing the creation of the Oregon Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (OCCOE). But that’s not the only nugget held within this legislation. There is a provision of special significance for students at Mt. Hood Community College: direct support for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals through exam-fee scholarships.

Cybersecurity is a fast-growing industry, not just in our state but also across the country, with both public and private sectors struggling to keep pace with demand for skilled professionals. Recognizing this, HB 2049 established multiple funds to strengthen Oregon’s cyber workforce. Among them, a portion was directed specifically at workforce development and student support. For MHCC, this translates into a scholarship fund designed to cover the cost of industry-recognized certification exams for cybersecurity students.

While not a traditional tuition-based scholarship, the program answers a very real need. Students enrolled in MHCC’s cybersecurity tracks often face a daunting set of expenses beyond classroom instruction. A significant barrier for college students, even more so with community college students, is being able to pay for those out-of-pocket certification exams and fees – which varies per individual track, but quickly runs into the hundreds of dollars.

The certifications will help the student advance in their career path but also help secure a better-paying job. Essentially the state is making it easier for those who major in cybersecurity to get a job immediately after college.

This is one of the first times Oregon has directly recognized certification exams as an educational cost worthy of public support. It reflects a broader shift in how workforce development is being framed: not only in terms of traditional academic degrees, but also in the industry credentials that employers actively seek.

The scholarship program also aligns neatly with HB 2049’s larger vision. The new Oregon Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, headquartered at Portland State University but jointly run with Oregon State University and the University of Oregon, has a mandate to coordinate cybersecurity education across the state. Community colleges, including MHCC, are a critical part of that ecosystem, serving as both entry points for students and retraining hubs for adult learners. By ensuring that MHCC students can graduate with certifications in hand, the bill strengthens the pipeline of job-ready talent feeding into public agencies, school districts, utilities, and private companies.

There is also a symbolic impact with this legislation. This shows that the state of Oregon is not only thinking of the future economy, but also the future of its students. It gives students more leeway when it comes to their education, helping their dreams become a reality.

This bill extends opportunities to thousands of students who might otherwise be priced out of vital certifications. By blending classroom learning with affordable credentialing, Oregon is signaling that cybersecurity education is no longer merely optional – it is an essential part of a successful infrastructure.

MHCC students can celebrate a tangible victory. Thanks to HB 2049, their path into one of Oregon’s most vital fields just became a little clearer, and a little more affordable.