Mercyhurst, PCC launch innovative dual enrollment program in cybersecurity for high school students on autism spectrum

Pairing two of its most popular and productive programs – the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) and Bachelor of Science degree in Cyber Security – Mercyhurst University announces a dual enrollment program for high school students on the autism spectrum.

The pilot program is supported through a partnership with the Pennsylvania Cybersecurity Center (PCC), which promotes cybersecurity innovation in the region through infrastructure, education, training, and mentorship.

Consistent with Mercyhurst’s announcement on Tuesday, Sept. 17, the PCC announced the program’s debut from its headquarters in Hermitage as part of a visit from National Cyber Director Harry Coker Jr. Coker is the second to hold the White House staff position. He is a retired CIA senior executive and career Naval officer. In addition, he completed a joint duty assignment as the executive director of the National Security Agency.

Representing Mercyhurst in Hermitage were Ryan Palm, project initiator and executive director of the Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity, which oversees AIM, and Dr. Chris Mansour, chair of the university’s Department of Computing & Information Science and co-founder of its Cyber Security program.

Set to begin spring term, the pioneering initiative is part of the newly expanded AIM 2.0. It will enable eligible high school students in western Pennsylvania to enroll in the university’s online “Introduction to Cyber Security” course taught by Mansour. While Mansour is at the academic helm, AIM staff will provide virtual support meetings and other enrichment opportunities for the cohort.

Palm said the impetus for the new initiative is simple. Mercyhurst has the built-in expertise in both neurodiversity and cybersecurity, and the market need is immense. There are almost 600,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the United States alone, and the field has become one of the most sought-after and well-paid information technology positions.

Further, Palm noted, cybersecurity can be a good career for people on the autism spectrum because they often have strengths that are relevant to the field, such as pattern recognition, attention to detail, high stamina, technical savvy, and adherence to routines, rules, and schedules.  

Last year, Director Coker’s office released the National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy, which specifically acknowledges the benefits that neurodivergent employees bring to the cyber workforce.  

“We are grateful to the Pennsylvania Cybersecurity Center in supporting the launch of this innovative dual enrollment program that combines Mercyhurst’s strengths in neurodiversity and cybersecurity,” Palm said. “By integrating our Autism Initiative with our Cyber Security degree, we are not only addressing a critical workforce need but also creating opportunities for students on the autism spectrum to excel in a field where their unique skills and attributes are incredibly valuable. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to inclusive education and the future of cybersecurity."

In 2023, the PCC received a $1.15 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to expand its efforts throughout more of Pennsylvania, and this new program will aid those efforts. The PCC was also instrumental in raising money to offer the Mercyhurst program at a minimal cost to the pilot participants, with particular thanks to The Margaret Walker Foundation and Hermitage-based company, Joy Cone.  

Meanwhile, Bradley Calleja, executive director of the LindenPointe Development Corporation, the non-profit parent organization of the PCC, said: “The PCC is excited to launch this partnership with Mercyhurst University and the AIM program.  It will further the PCC’s mission of expanding cyber opportunities to everyone. We feel this is the first of many opportunities for collaboration and we are looking forward to the launch of this program in the spring semester.” Craig Columbus, chairman of the LindenPointe Development Corporation, added, “We are honored to partner with Mercyhurst, a national leader in the inclusion of autism spectrum students, to build this important on-ramp for the next generation of our community.”  

PHOTO: Gathering at Tuesday’s announcement of the new dual enrollment program for high school students on the autism spectrum are, from left, Seeyew Mo, assistant national cyber director for Cyber Workforce, Training and Education; Ryan Palm, project initiator and executive director of the Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity; Dr. Chris Mansour, chair of the university’s Department of Computing & Information Science and co-founder of its Cyber Security program; and Harry Coker Jr., national cyber director.