Key Takeaways:
- Ogeechee Technical College’s Cybersecurity Club, ARPe-DIEM, ranked No. 64 nationally out of 510 colleges and universities in the Cyber Power Rankings.
- Five students from Ogeechee Tech finished in the top 15% nationally in the Fall 2025 National Cyber League (NCL) Competition.
- The competition fosters skill development and career readiness in cybersecurity, with over 10,000 individual competitors and more than 500 colleges and universities participating nationwide.
- Ogeechee Tech’s Cybersecurity program is dedicated to preparing students for a career in cybersecurity, with a goal to crack the top 50 in the nation.
Introduction to ARPe-DIEM and the NCL Competition
Ogeechee Technical College’s Cybersecurity Club, ARPe-DIEM, has proven its mettle on the national stage, achieving a significant ranking in the Fall 2025 National Cyber League (NCL) Competition. The club’s performance in the competition was good enough to move them up to No. 64 nationally out of 510 colleges and universities in the Cyber Power Rankings. The NCL competition is a biannual, virtual cybersecurity competition for high school and college students that simulates real-world challenges to help students develop skills for a career in cybersecurity. This competition provides students with hands-on experience in identifying hackers, pentesting and auditing vulnerable websites, recovering from ransomware attacks, and more.
Exceptional Performance by Ogeechee Tech Students
Ogeechee Tech students performed exceptionally in the competition, with five students finishing in the top 15% nationally. These students include Andrew Mitchell, who finished in the top 4%, AJ Redman, who finished in the top 6%, Devin Chizmar, who finished in the top 11%, Brandon Parker, who finished in the top 12%, and Brian Colby, who finished in the top 15%. Additionally, competitors Elizabeth Rector-Hagar, Christopher Balaban, Prescott Hope, and Jorge Parra all placed in the top 46% in the nation. This exceptional performance demonstrates the skills and dedication of Ogeechee Tech’s cybersecurity students and showcases the effectiveness of the college’s Cybersecurity program.
Rankings and Progress
The rankings in the NCL competition are based on a school’s top team performance, their top student’s individual performance, and the aggregate individual performance of their students. Ogeechee Tech’s ranking of No. 64 nationally is a significant improvement from their previous ranking of No. 97 in the Fall of 2024. According to Cybersecurity instructor Terry Hand, "Our first semester competing in Fall of 2024 we were ranked No. 97 and in consecutive competitions have increased our ranking." This progress demonstrates the college’s commitment to improving its cybersecurity program and preparing students for a career in this critical field. The next goal for Ogeechee Tech is to crack the top 50 in the nation, which would be a significant achievement and a testament to the college’s dedication to cybersecurity education.
The Importance of Cybersecurity Education
The NCL competition is just one example of the importance of cybersecurity education in today’s digital age. With over 10,000 individual competitors and more than 500 colleges and universities participating nationwide, the competition fosters skill development and career readiness in one of today’s most critical fields. Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field, with a high demand for skilled professionals who can protect against cyber threats and attacks. Ogeechee Tech’s Cybersecurity program is dedicated to preparing students for a career in cybersecurity, with a focus on hands-on experience and real-world challenges. By participating in competitions like the NCL, students can gain valuable experience and skills that will serve them well in their future careers.
Conclusion and Future Plans
In conclusion, Ogeechee Technical College’s Cybersecurity Club, ARPe-DIEM, has made a significant impact on the national stage, achieving a ranking of No. 64 nationally in the Cyber Power Rankings. The college’s exceptional performance in the NCL competition is a testament to the skills and dedication of its students and the effectiveness of its Cybersecurity program. With a goal to crack the top 50 in the nation, Ogeechee Tech is committed to continuing to improve its cybersecurity program and prepare students for a career in this critical field. For more information about the Cybersecurity program at Ogeechee Technical College, visit www.ogeecheetech.edu.