Gov. Wes Moore smiled as he spoke during a roundtable discussion(Capital News Service/Kiersten Hacker)By STEVEN JACOBS JR.Capital News ServiceCOLUMBIA, Md. – Gov. Wes Moore on Thursday announced a $1.8 million award to all 16 community colleges in the state to boost cybersecurity training and career opportunities.The Maryland Association of Community Colleges and BCR Cyber, a private company that provides cybersecurity training programs and job placement services.In his remarks at Thursday morning’s announcement at Howard Community College, he said he hopes that Maryland will become a hotbed for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.“Maryland’s pathway to national leadership in cybersecurity runs through our community colleges,” Moore said. “Today marks the latest chapter in our work to make Maryland the cyber capital of the United States and connect all Marylanders with the training they need to compete for jobs of tomorrow.”Moore’s administration secured the award for the MACC and for BCR Cyber. The funding comes from the Accelerating Cyber Careers grant by the Maryland Department of Labor.BCR Cyber, an interactive computer platform that simulates real-world cyber-attacks, will provide experiential learning for students.“By leveraging extensive current federal, state, and local investment in cyber ranges, this partnership offers a statewide solution that will dramatically increase Maryland’s capacity to generate cyber workforce talent in a statewide unified program,” said Michael Spector, president of BCR Cyber.”Brad Phillips, executive director of the Maryland Association of Community Colleges, agreed. “This investment solidifies Maryland community colleges as a national leader on cyber and workforce development,” said Phillips. “We’re honored to be chosen for this award and look forward to working with our partners to fill critical skills gaps in the cybersecurity industry.”