BGSU selected as a Regional Programming Center by Ohio Cyber Range Institute

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Advancing computer science education while bolstering Ohio’s cybersecurity needs, Bowling Green State University has been selected as a Regional Programming Center (RPC) by the Ohio Cyber Range Institute (OCRI).

As the only four-year, public institution in the region chosen as an RPC, BGSU joins a collaborative statewide effort of higher education institutions to educate Ohioans about the growing importance of cybersecurity and its role in driving workforce development and economic vitality.

Through OCRI, the BGSU RPC will leverage the University’s academic and research expertise as Ohio’s first computer science program to offer educational outreach, develop talent and foster innovation in the in-demand cybersecurity field. Additionally, BGSU will routinely collaborate with other RPCs and industry partners to share insight and resources, enhancing research and employment opportunities in cybersecurity statewide.

"We are excited to join this collaborative effort in educating Ohioans about the crucial role cybersecurity plays in daily life," said Dr. Ruinian Li, assistant professor in the BGSU Department of Computer Science and OCRI representative. "As home to Ohio's first computer science program, BGSU has been a longtime leader in software engineering and data science education. As a Regional Programming Center, BGSU will advance research and education on the ever-evolving cybersecurity field."

With support from OCRI, the BGSU RPC will also host a variety of cybersecurity-focused camps and workshops each year for people of all ages and skillsets, including:

• Cybersecurity spring camp for 5th-8th grades
• BG CyberGuardians, a summer camp for high school students
• BG EduCyber, a workshop for junior high and high school teachers
• Collaborative cybersecurity workshop with the University of Toledo for seniors and adults

As a cornerstone of Ohio's cybersecurity education and innovation, OCRI facilitates the advancement of cybersecurity education and workforce and economic development. Housed at the University of Cincinnati, OCRI develops and delivers original, high quality educational material, exercises and training to Ohioans regardless of age, education or experience in cyber research.