The Master of Science in Cybersecurity at Bay Path University has received a National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Program of Study Validation from the National Security Agency. This designation extends through 2028.
The validation confirms that the program has met the academic standards set by the NSA in curriculum, faculty qualifications, and commitment to continuous improvement.
In January 2022, Bay Path’s BS in Cybersecurity: Digital Forensics & Incident Response received a Program of Study Validation from the NSA. One month later, the university was designated as a National Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense, resulting in cyber programs at the graduate and undergraduate level earning this recognition.
With the launch of the MS in cybersecurity in 2012, Bay Path was one of the first institutions of higher education and the first women’s college to establish cyber programs that address the need for women and diverse candidates for the cyber talent pipeline. According to Statista, there are more than 20,000 cybersecurity job openings in Massachusetts.
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ServiceNet, a nonprofit mental health and human services agency serving Western Massachusetts, recently acquired Jodi’s Seasonal in Pittsfield. The flower farm, which covers 16 acres and includes several year-round greenhouses, will be the newest site for ServiceNet’s Prospect Meadow Farm.
Part of ServiceNet’s Developmental and Brain Injury Services division, Prospect Meadow Farm is a therapeutic vocational training program that provides meaningful employment and daily activities for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism, many of whom also have mental health challenges. ServiceNet opened the first Prospect Meadow Farm location in Hatfield in 2011, which now employs 80+ participants who raise market crops and care for animals on two chemical-free farm sites totaling 18 acres.
For more information, email srobinson@servicenet.org.
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The Connecticut Airport Authority announces that ultra-low fare carrier Frontier Airlines will be launching nonstop service between Bradley International Airport and Tampa International Airport. Flights began on March 7, and operate four times a week.
The airline is offering introductory fares as low as $49* one way.
Currently, travel on Frontier Airlines can be booked through August 2024. Frontier also flies between Bradley International Airport and San Juan, Puerto Rico, Orlando, Florida, and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina.
For more information, visit https://www.flyfrontier.com.
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Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital in Holyoke recently was the gold winner of the MassEcon 20th Annual Team Massachusetts Economic Impact award along with 13 other companies throughout the state. The companies were selected on the basis of job growth, facility expansion and investment, community involvement, and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity initiatives since Jan. 1, 2023.
The winners will be honored at a ceremony on April 11 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough with Citizens as presenting sponsor.
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The Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden Agricultural Society, the nonprofit organization that manages the Three County Fair and fairgrounds, will be conducting its 2024 Food Drive from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, outside its main office at 54 Fair St. in Northampton.
The fair seeks nonperishable foods such as canned fruit, vegetables, and tuna, plus cereal, pasta, pasta sauce and peanut butter for area food pantries. This year’s recipients include the Providence Ministries — Margaret’s Pantry in Holyoke, the Easthampton Community Center, the Franklin County Community Meals Program in Greenfield, the Helping Hands Cupboard Food Pantry in Belchertown and the Westhampton Congregational United Church of Christ food pantry.
Each vehicle that donates a minimum of 10 in-date items will be supplied with a pair of complimentary tickets to the 2024 Three County Fair, Aug. 30-Sept. 2. The fair requests that donations be compiled in disposable bags or boxes for volunteers to easily accept them from vehicles.
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Monson Savings Bank is hosting a Home Buyers Night where registrants can learn about the homebuying process. Light refreshments and beverages will be provided by Center Square Grill. Attendees will get a $575 off an appraisal fee coupon. Preregistration is required.
The event will take place on Wednesday, April 10, 6 to 8 p.m., Center Square Grille, 84 Center Square, East Longmeadow.
To register, visit https://www.monsonsavings.bank/home-buyers-event and complete the registration form. Space is limited.
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Holyoke Mall is hosting its Get Hired Job Fair on Wednesday, April 17, from 2 to 5 p.m. on the lower level in Macy’s Court. The event will feature on-the-spot interviews and hiring and more than 15 Western Massachusetts businesses represents nine industries.
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Attorney Karen G. Jackson of Jackson Law in Holyoke will lead three, one-hour estate planning workshops at Holyoke Community College, beginning Thursday, April 11, from 6 to 7 p.m., with “Core Estate Planning.”
In this first session, Jackson, an elder law and estate planning attorney, will explain the importance of the will, power of attorney and health care proxy and the core estate plan.
In the second session, “De-Mystifying Trusts,” Thursday, April 18, from 6 to 7 p.m., Jackson will review the different types of trusts and how to decide if one is needed.
In the final course, “Saving Your Home from the Nursing Home Bill,” on Thursday, April 25, from 6 to 7 p.m., Jackson will explain the use of an irrevocable income-only trust to save nursing home costs. She will also explain the MassHealth rules and provide tips and traps to avoid.
Students can choose one or two classes at $39 each or register for the series for $90. To register, call 413-552-2320 or visit hcc.edu/bce.
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Northampton is the recipient of a $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant to install an artistic LED lighting system on the railway underpass downtown. The lighting system will enhance walkability and the physical connection of Main Street.
Northampton is the first city in Massachusetts to receive a T-Mobile Hometown Grant. T-Mobile has awarded 275 projects across 46 states since the $25 million, five-year initiative launched in April 2021.
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Springfield Technical Community College will host a spring Career and College Transfer Fair on April 11 to help students and anyone seeking their next career move or interested in learning more about four-year college transfer options.
The fair will take place 4 to 6 p.m. in Scibelli Hall (Building 2) gymnasium at STCC. The event is free for students, alumni and friends of STCC looking for their next career move.
Prior to the fair, on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the Division of Workforce Development at STCC will hold resume writing workshops and career counseling sessions to help students refine their job search strategies and improve their professional profiles. Activities on April 11 will include opportunities for students to talk to various colleges, universities and companies, participate in mock interviews 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. to help them strengthen their skills and build confidence and starting at 3:30 take professional photo shots that can be used for online profiles.
Attendees should bring their resume and wear professional clothing. Students may be eligible to get free business attire to make their best impression at the event. Men can visit Suit Up Springfield, a community organization focused on providing the young men of Springfield with professional attire. Women can get assistance from Dress for Success, which provides professional attire for job interviews.
Representatives from four-year colleges and universities will be on hand to discuss transfer options. Four-year colleges and universities that offer transfer opportunities to STCC students can set up a table for free.
STCC offers corporate and nonprofit partnerships as well, which includes a vendor table. Employers in the region may contact STCC to participate.
Participants can visit stcc.io/careerfair to find more information, including links to register. For questions, contact Shannon Sarkisian at 413-755-4675 or sgsarkisian2301@stcc.edu.
