Metro State University has been chosen as one of six recipients of nationwide grants from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to establish Minnesota's and Upper Midwest's first-ever Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (IC CAE). Metro State’s center, to be named the NorthStar Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (NorthStar IC CAE), will serve not only Minnesota but the broader Upper Midwest region as a provider of enhanced programs in intelligence studies, hands-on internships, and partnerships with intelligence agencies, empowering students with the skills and experience necessary to succeed in national security careers.
Dr. Faisal Kaleem, professor of computer science and cybersecurity, director of graduate studies in cyber operations, and executive director of MN Cyber, says, “This incredible achievement brings a unique opportunity to Metro State University, our students, faculty, and the entire Upper Midwest region. Historically, much of the work in the U.S. Intelligence Community has been concentrated in the east, west, and southern regions of the country. With the establishment of this NorthStar IC Center, we are helping to change that, providing new pathways for research, education, and workforce development in intelligence right here in Minnesota.”
NorthStar IC CAE is positioned to build on Minnesota’s diverse and growing talent base in cybersecurity, ensuring the Upper Midwest becomes a pivotal player in advancing the mission of the Intelligence Community. Notes Dr. Kaleem, “The creation of this center is a huge leap forward in ensuring greater diversity, inclusion, and regional representation in national security fields. It's not just an investment in education but also an investment in the future of national security.”
The IC CAE program is designed to develop a cadre of qualified intelligence professionals to carry out America’s long-term national security initiatives by creating a competitive, knowledgeable, and diverse workforce. Schools, such as Metro State, that are selected as grant recipients are known as IC CAE Program Schools, with students participating in IC CAE Program School-funded curricula and programs provided the opportunity to work towards becoming part of the IC talent pool of choice.
About Metro State University
Founded in 1971, Metro State University, a member of Minnesota State, is the Twin Cities’ public, urban, comprehensive state university providing lifelong learning and competitive academic and professional degree programs at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate programs and more than 25 graduate degrees. Metro State ranks 22nd in the nation and first in Minnesota on CollegeNet’s Social Mobility Index, which measures colleges’ and universities’ success in elevating students from low-income strata into the middle class within five years of graduation. To learn more, visit metrostate.edu.
About the Intelligence Community Centers for Academic Excellence (IC CAE) Program
The Intelligence Community Centers for Academic Excellence (IC CAE) Program was established in 2005 to meet the nation’s demand for a diverse cadre of professionals to carry out national security priorities and obligations. For more information on the IC CAE Program, visit dni.gov/index.php/iccae.