Inside the Innovative Partnerships at the Sturm Collaboration Campus

Courtesy of Sean Cassidy

When Arapahoe Community College (ACC) junior Sean Cassidy first stumbled upon cybersecurity during a high school career exploration project, he never imagined it would lead him to the cutting-edge facilities at ACC’s Sturm Collaboration Campus in Castle Rock, CO.

What started as curiosity about something different from his original interest in video game development evolved into a comprehensive educational experience that’s preparing him for a career in a rapidly growing field.

“I stumbled upon cybersecurity, and it sounded kind of fun,” Cassidy says. “And then as soon as I started doing research on it, it sounded more enticing because of the concept of Red Team Blue Team exercises, where one team attacks a network while the other team defends it.”

Real-world Applications

The Sturm Campus’ cybersecurity program offers students access to cutting-edge technology and practical learning environments that many institutions cannot provide. Cassidy interns in the college’s IT department while also utilizing what he describes as a makerspace specifically designed for cybersecurity students. The state-of-the-art facility allows students to gain hands-on experience with essential networking equipment, such as switches, routers and servers.

Brad Nicol Photography

The campus’ makerspace also hosts a Cyber Club that competes in the National Cyber League, a competition that challenges students to apply their classroom learning in practical, competitive scenarios. Cassidy, who is a member of the club, says the experience has been invaluable in bridging the gap between book-heavy theoretical material and real-world application.

“There are a lot of complicated classes for cybersecurity. For example, networking is a course with very dense material, and you don’t really get much hands-on with it. You basically read a book and then test on what you read,” Cassidy says. “But working in the Sturm Campus makerspace, we’re able to actually see the machines that we are learning about – plugging in, making a cable, setting up configurations on switches and firewalls and servers. It really does expand what we learn in class, and it definitely helps a lot with those complicated classes.”

Flexible and Forward-thinking

The Sturm Collaboration Campus allows students to earn an associate degree from ACC and a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University in the same location. The campus offers pathways in high-demand fields, including business, health care and technology. Students can also take advantage of flexible schedules that are compatible with work, apprenticeships or internships.

Brad Nicol Photography

Dual Advantage

The Sturm Campus’ workforce development efforts begin long before students land at one of their campuses. A partnership between ACC and the Douglas County School District allows students to earn college credits and industry credentials while still in high school and at little to no cost. These credentials equip students with the skills needed to enter the workforce and meet industry demands.

“As workforce needs evolve and the cost of higher education continues to rise, ACC is committed to providing equitable and affordable credentialing opportunities in high-demand fields,” says Cindy Saysavanh, associate director of the Sturm Collaboration Campus.

“By introducing students to regional economic opportunities early, they can explore and evaluate career pathways that align with their interests and abilities before pursuing postsecondary education,” she adds.

The combination of affordability, accessibility and hands-on skills training means employers get highly qualified candidates, such as Cassidy, who can hit the ground running.

“While I’m still deciding whether to remain in the Denver area after graduation, the education I’m receiving at the Sturm Campus is preparing me for opportunities anywhere,” Cassidy says.