Parsons to Support Cal Poly Initiative to Help Produce Future Cyber Security Professionals

Parsons is pleased to announce that it will contribute $100,000 to Cal Poly’s initiative to become the leading supplier of cybersecurity professionals. The funds will be distributed over a 2-year period, beginning in 2014. In addition, Parsons will participate as a member of the Cal Poly Cybersecurity Council, a group of leading industry experts and faculty whose strategic advice will help ensure that Cal Poly’s cyber graduates align with industry needs.

“Cal Poly’s excellent reputation for graduating Day 1-ready professionals makes it particularly well suited to help meet the industry’s need for cyber experts,” said Chuck Harrington, Parsons’ chairman and CEO. “As a global engineering, construction, technical, and management services firm with more than 12,500 employees, Parsons understands the importance of introducing students at all levels to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We are proud to be among the organizations joining forces with Cal Poly on this important initiative.”

“Given our expertise in defense, intelligence, and cybersecurity and the increasing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals, supporting Cal Poly’s cyber program is aligned with our Parsons Gives Back program,” added Tim Potier, Parsons’ chief security officer. The goals of Cal Poly’s cyber initiative are to develop qualified graduates in computer science with a cybersecurity specialization as well as to educate them in advanced engineering, science, and business applications of cyber technologies and systems. The initiative is also aimed at preparing students for service in support of the national defense industry and intelligence community as well as for advanced study and applied research.

“This contribution will support hiring the Cybersecurity Center director,” said Deb Larson, dean of the College of Engineering. “We thank Parsons for its support, and we’re grateful for the company’s partnership in producing the next generation of experts responsible for operating, defending, and securing cyberspace.”

Parsons recently announced its support of a similar program at the University of Maryland.

Parsons, celebrating nearly 70 years of growth in the engineering, construction, technical, and professional services industries, is a leader in many diversified markets with a focus on transportation, environmental/infrastructure, defense/security, and resources. Parsons delivers design/design-build, program/construction management, and other professional services packaged in innovative alternative delivery methods to federal, regional, and local government agencies, as well as to private industrial customers worldwide. For more about Parsons, please visit www.parsons.com.