USCA and Aiken Schools Launch Cybersecurity Education Program

New partnership aims to prepare students with hands-on security skills before graduation.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The University of South Carolina Aiken and Aiken County Public School District are collaborating on a new cybersecurity and computer science initiative. The university's Regional Security Operation Center will provide resources to the district, allowing students to learn practical skills needed to help secure networks beyond just classroom theory.

Why it matters

As cybersecurity threats continue to grow, this program aims to give students real-world experience and skills to help protect networks and systems before they enter the workforce. The partnership leverages USCA's unique cybersecurity center, one of only three of its kind in the nation, to provide Aiken students a valuable head start in this in-demand field.

The details

The new program will go beyond just classroom instruction, allowing Aiken County students to apply their cybersecurity knowledge and skills in a live, meaningful environment at USCA's Regional Security Operation Center. Aiken County Schools Superintendent Corey Murphy said this hands-on approach will make the work 'more meaningful for the students' as they take on real responsibilities.

  • The partnership between USCA and Aiken County schools was announced in February 2026.

The players

University of South Carolina Aiken

A public university and one of the four-year campuses of the University of South Carolina system, located in Aiken, South Carolina. It is home to the only Regional Security Operation Center of its kind in the state.

Aiken County Public School District

The public school district serving Aiken County, South Carolina, which is partnering with USCA on the new cybersecurity education program.

Corey Murphy

The Superintendent of Aiken County Public Schools, who emphasized the value of the hands-on, applied learning approach of the new cybersecurity program.

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What they’re saying

“It's no longer theoretical — it's application of knowledge and skill sets. Not only are they going to come here and learn how to do these tasks, they are going to apply these tasks here as well in a meaningful environment. So once you add consequences to the work, it makes it more meaningful for the students. I think this is going to be the start of something that's going to explode.”

— Corey Murphy, Aiken County Schools Superintendent (WRDW)

What’s next

The new cybersecurity education program is set to launch in the 2026-2027 school year, with Aiken County students gaining hands-on experience at USCA's Regional Security Operation Center.

The takeaway

This innovative partnership between a university and local school district aims to give students a head start in the crucial and fast-growing field of cybersecurity, providing them with practical skills and experience to better protect networks and systems before they enter the workforce.