FREDERICKSBURG, Va., Feb. 2, 2023 – Joel Griffin, Founder and President of Riphean, attended a significant event this week alongside Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, in support of Germanna Community College’s upcoming cybersecurity training center. The visit included a tour of the facility, which will be known as the James R. Clapper Center for Innovation in Cybersecurity. This center will play a vital role in offering cybersecurity degree and credential programs to students.
The establishment of the cybersecurity center is part of Germanna Community College’s expansion efforts in Stafford County. With the assistance of community donations and the Stafford EDA, two buildings were purchased last year. Joel Griffin has been serving as the Chair of the Stafford EDA since 2015.
Expressing his gratitude, Griffin said, “We are thankful to Senators Warner and Kaine for their dedicated efforts in securing $870,000 in federal funding for the cybersecurity training center. This center will address the existing shortage of cybersecurity professionals and contribute to establishing the region as a prominent hub for cybersecurity.”
During the visit, Senators Warner and Kaine participated in a productive round table discussion, highlighting their commitment to enhancing the country’s workforce, particularly in the field of cybersecurity. Senator Warner was quoted in the Free Lance Star, emphasizing the significance of the funding: “This money will help grow Germanna’s degree and credential programs so we can train and retain those professionals right here in Virginia.”
Commencing in August 2024, cybersecurity students will have the opportunity to take classes in the newly acquired buildings. The center’s close proximity to Quantico and Dahlgren, with their military bases and defense contractors, will provide students in the region with valuable internship and job opportunities.
To gain further insight into the workforce development initiatives led by Joel Griffin and the EDA, please visit www.staffordeda.com.
