Episode description
Episode description
In this episode of Cyber Focus, host Frank Cilluffo visits Birmingham to speak with Alabama State Senator Arthur Orr and Matt Massey, President of the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE). They discuss the origins of ASCTE, its rigorous curriculum, and its dual mission to educate top-tier students while expanding cyber education across the state. The conversation explores the school's national security significance, its unique hands-on learning model, public-private partnerships, and future growth plans. Senator Orr and Massey highlight the importance of workforce development and how ASCTE is preparing students for careers in cybersecurity and engineering.
Main Topics Covered:
- The legislative origins of ASCTE and its role as a statewide magnet school
- ASCTE’s rigorous academic curriculum and hands-on cyber education approach
- The school’s impact on national security and workforce development
- The role of public-private partnerships in ASCTE’s success
- Future expansion plans, including new facilities and a research center
Key Quotes:
"We have got to get young people trained and conversant in the cyber world to be able to defend and protect our country from all the cyber threats that we see increasing." —Arthur Orr
"We don't win that numbers game [against China]. We got to ensure that we are always more innovative, more advanced, from a technology and educational standpoint. —Frank Cilluffo
"We actually have the toughest graduation requirements of any school in the nation." —Matt Massey
"We've got students at Georgetown, at Tufts, at Harvard... but also we got some that are going straight to a career now and then some are doing the hybrid role." —Matt Massey
"We wanted cyber education to be very hands on, and we embed cyber concepts in all of our classes" —Matt Massey
Relevant Links and Resources:
Guest Bios:
Senator Arthur Orr has served in the Alabama State Senate since 2006, where he has championed numerous education initiatives, including the legislation that established ASCTE in 2018. He previously worked with the Peace Corps and has a background in public service and economic development.
Matt Massey is the President of ASCTE, a pioneering public residential magnet school dedicated to cyber technology and engineering. Prior to leading ASCTE, he served as Superintendent of Madison County Schools. Under his leadership, ASCTE has grown into a national model for cybersecurity education.