Baruch College announced on March 2 that it had received $400,000 in federal funding for the development and launch of its new Clinic for Cyber Security and Multi-Level Education initiative. The program will support an increased demand in cybersecurity and information technology-related jobs by preparing students with hands-on experience. 

The CCSME initiative will expand the computer and information sciences major, creating three campus hubs and a technology lab managed by computer and information systems faculty. The program will add a community resource page with information and training materials, hire a center director to lead the program and establish a cybersecurity lab. 

This development follows increased cyberthreats and a higher demand for cybersecurity workers. According to Baruch’s statement regarding the program, cyberattacks have created losses of over $750 million in New York State. Meanwhile, employment within IT and cybersecurity jobs is expected to see a 29% increase by 2034. 

Baruch has felt the impact of cyberattacks. In previous years, ransomware attacks have compromised the personal information of many students and led to increased efforts to ensure digital safety and security, such as CUNY’s implementation of a multi-factor authentication process in 2025. 

The initiative’s federal funding was secured by Sen. Chuck Schumer. In March 2024, he also acquired $963,000 in federal funding for John Jay College of Criminal Justice, which funded the development of a Forensics and Cybercrime Investigations Laboratory and Research Suite in a similar effort to prepare students for the cybersecurity workforce. 

The CCSME initiative is expected to launch in fall 2026. As a promising new program for students pursuing cybersecurity and IT careers, Baruch must deliver on its promises for this program to boost cybersecurity efforts across New York City and New York State.