{"id":184379,"date":"2026-02-04T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/testing.news-you-need.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/04\/sumters-next-generation-presented-by-thelink-morris-colleges-bolden-finds-key-to-success-in-cybersecurity-consistency\/"},"modified":"2026-02-04T06:15:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T11:15:10","slug":"sumters-next-generation-presented-by-thelink-morris-colleges-bolden-finds-key-to-success-in-cybersecurity-consistency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/testing.news-you-need.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/04\/sumters-next-generation-presented-by-thelink-morris-colleges-bolden-finds-key-to-success-in-cybersecurity-consistency\/","title":{"rendered":"Sumter’s Next Generation, presented by TheLINK: Morris College’s Bolden finds key to success in cybersecurity, consistency"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sumter’s Next Generation, presented by TheLINK: Morris College’s Bolden finds key to success in cybersecurity, consistency<\/a><\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.theitem.com\/stories\/sumters-next-generation-presented-by-thelink-morris-colleges-bolden-finds-key-to-success-in,439259<\/a><\/p>\n

Publish Date: 2026-02-04 06:00:00<\/a><\/p>\n

Source Domain: www.theitem.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Author: <\/a><\/p>\n

Using an unordered list, summarize the following article with between 4 and 8 key points. <\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tThe world of cybersecurity is vast.<\/p>\n

With its various technologies, processes and policies, the area of study has grown through the years in its sophistication, frequency and interest among young college students – that includes Morris College’s Jayden Bolden.<\/p>\n

Hailing from Riverdale, Georgia, Jayden was in the fourth or fifth grade when he first discovered his knack for critical thinking, uncovering the ins and outs and ups and downs of his first computer. When it came time to decide on where he’d further his academic career for the next four years, he wanted it to be at a college that would not only support his problem-solving interests, but challenge them as well.<\/p>\n

It was the offering of a basketball scholarship that landed Jayden on the campus of Morris College. His research on the HBCU’s broad STEM program and array of resources made the idea of being a Hornet more worthwhile. His choice was solidified after he attended the college’s STEM Summer Program in June 2024.<\/p>\n

“That was one of the best moments of my life. We had this group called STEM Five because it was just five STEM people in the group. We just stuck together; it was amazing,” he expressed. “Honestly, the teachers, staff, advisors, everyone, they really helped us figure out what we’re going to do and made sure everything was a smooth process.”<\/p>\n

Unlike some college freshmen, Jayden declared his major as cybersecurity with a minor in computer science his first semester, certain that the foundation he would build in the next four years would set him up for success in the decades to come.<\/p>\n

“For me, the programming aspect of [cybersecurity], being able to figure things out and just really think things [through], I feel like that really challenges me, and I want to keep doing that and growing in that,” he expressed.<\/p>\n

Morris College has expanded its cybersecurity offerings since it was first established as a minor in 2015 to include a major, minor, two-year associate degree and certificate programs. The major focuses on hands-on training, network security and ethics to help prepare students for the high-demand careers, some in private and public government sectors. Recent state funding has allowed the college to enhance its lab with 3D printers, robotic upgrades, a Smart Board and laboratory among other supplies.<\/p>\n

Enrollment in the program quadrupled between 2022 to 2024, and the college hosts an annual Cybersecurity Awareness Day that features exhibits, demonstrations and displays to showcase what the college offers to local high school students seeking post-secondary education.<\/p>\n

From the courses to his classmates, from his professor to the plethora of opportunities he’s been afforded, the cybersecurity major has proved to be more than what Jayden has hoped for – and he couldn’t be more grateful.<\/p>\n

“There are many, many aspects of [cybersecurity]. As you go throughout your classes, each step will lead you to the next step. It breaks down the previous step so you can learn about what’s next and how to evolve,” Jayden explained. “The key is to be passionate about it and do it for the right reasons. If you want to do it for the right reasons, then you’re going to give it your all, and it will return your all.”<\/p>\n

And the return for Jayden has been abundant.<\/p>\n

As only a junior, he has completed two certifications in AI fundamentals and data literacy using DataCamp, an online, self-paced learning platform that focuses on interactive training to teach users how to defend data, understand security concepts and develop skills in data protection, analytics and security technology. These certifications help build in-demand technical skills, giving them the advantage when going into the workforce. Jayden plans to acquire more before graduation.<\/p>\n

The major also comes with financial perks, namely scholarships that helped cover Jayden’s tuition and books; last year, he was one of 53 scholarship recipients to receive $150,000 toward his tuition costs. His continued diligence to the major could lead to him graduating from college debt-free. With that financial weight lifted, he has more time to focus on his professional developments and personal interests on campus – that includes being involved in different areas across campus, from being a Resident Assistant to helping grow cybersecurity enrollment through helping organize the college’s Science Action Week. While it keeps him busy and involved, he also does it to show his peers the versatility and viability of being an accomplished student-athlete.<\/p>\n

With one more year as a Hornet, it’s not lost on Jayden that college, regardless of the chosen area of study, will have its fair share of struggles and strides. Which is why the advice to his peers is the same words he used to encourage himself.<\/p>\n

“Put God first – you can do all things through him,” he said with a smile. “And second is to always be who you are. Sometimes, people get in college and somewhat lose themselves. The goal is supposed to be finding yourself. When you are who you are, you will attract the right people and the right things, and eventually everything will fall into place as long as you stay patient and stay consistent.”\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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