Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-C) Community
The Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-C) Community is a nationwide network of colleges and universities recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) and federal partners for delivering top-quality cybersecurity education.
Why it matters for students:
Scholarships & Funding: As part of the CAE-C network, CSUSB students gain access to exclusive federal scholarships and aid opportunities designed to grow the cyber workforce.
Competitions & Hands-On Experience: CyAI Students can sharpen their skills through the CAE Cyber Competitions Atlas, which tracks and connects competitions across the country, Capture-the-Flag challenges, and research projects that connect directly to real-world careers.
Internships & Career Pathways: Through the CAE-C network, students can connect with government agencies, industry leaders, and research partners looking for future cyber talent.
The National Cybersecurity Virtual Career Fair (VCF): is free to all CSUSB students, providing direct access to recruiters from federal agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and research organizations nationwide.
Mentorship & Networking: The community brings together students, alumni, faculty, and professionals to create mentorship opportunities and lifelong career connections.
How it benefits CSUSB and the CyAI Department:
As the National Center for the CAE-C Community (CNC), CSUSB leads more than 480 CAE-designated institutions across the country, putting our students at the center of national opportunities.
The CyAI department ensures students don’t just learn theory; they gain hands-on, applied experiences that make them competitive in high-demand cyber and AI career fields.
By connecting local students in our region to a national network, CSUSB strengthens pathways from K–12 through higher education and into government and industry careers.
At CSUSB, being a student means more than earning a degree, it means joining a powerful national community that opens doors to scholarships, competitions, internships, and lifelong career opportunities.