Inspiring Future Innovators and Leaders

To ignite passion and develop talent, CCAT actively engages in a variety of initiatives:

• Summer research programs: Immerse yourself in cutting-edge projects.
• Internships: Gain valuable hands-on experience in the field.
• Educational camps and creative workshops: Explore transportation technologies in engaging and interactive ways.

These opportunities are designed to connect with our future workforce and help inspire the leaders who will shape this rapidly transforming industry.

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WCC’s Cybersecurity Program: Partnering for a Secure Automotive Future

CCAT is proud to support Washtenaw Community College (WCC), a partner of the CCAT, in developing a skilled workforce prepared for the critical challenges of automotive cybersecurity. Through a collaborative effort, WCC has launched an innovative Automotive Cybersecurity concentration within its Associate of Applied Science degree in Transportation Technologies. This program directly addresses the growing need for professionals who can safeguard the connected and automated vehicles of the future.

This specialized concentration, developed in partnership with WCC’s Computer Science and Information Technology Department, offers students hands-on, application-focused courses. Students delve into critical cybersecurity vectors, exploring key topics such as risk mitigation strategies, authentication protocols, encryption methods, and network technologies. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of both internal combustion and electric vehicle systems, enhanced with specialized cybersecurity training.

A key component of this initiative is the new, advanced cybersecurity lab at WCC, sponsored by CCAT. This state-of-the-art facility provides a realistic learning environment, featuring:

• 13 individual automotive test benches for students to exploit hardware and software weaknesses.
• Simulations to monitor and manipulate automotive network activity.
• Threat maps to visualize attacks and responses in real-time.

Upon completion, students not only gain expertise in a high-demand field but also earn both the Automotive Cybersecurity Certificate and an Associate Degree in Transportation Technologies. Furthermore, the broader Transportation Technologies program at WCC prepares students for the State of Michigan Mechanics Certification tests and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification Exams, enhancing their career prospects.

This program at WCC, supported by CCAT’s investment in the cybersecurity lab, is a prime example of our commitment to fostering talent equipped to handle the evolving demands of the transportation industry and ensure the security of modern vehicles.