people at computers, large screens showing various data hang on the wall

The Leahy Center is a world-class laboratory that provides information assurance, digital forensic investigation, and cybersecurity services to corporate clients in Burlington and beyond.

On any given day, you might see the Leahy Center testing out smart refrigerators or robot vacuums for risk assessment, or quietly safeguarding personal data and fighting off malware.

Students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels who work at the Leahy Center have an opportunity to learn by participating in a practical and hands-on laboratory environment, alongside professionals on research and real cases involving cybercrime, digital forensics, and information assurance.

students facing computers; "forensics" on the back of student t-shirt

Protect Real Clients

From law enforcement agencies in the federal government to small businesses and nonprofits here in Vermont, the Leahy Center is a trusted resource for digital investigation, end-user support, vulnerability assessments, and consulting.

Supervised by professionals, students like you receive exceptional hands-on experience while the Leahy Center delivers cost-effective services to its clients. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Being at the leading edge of tech requires a deep understanding of existing technologies and access to emerging trends, tools, and products. The Leahy Center has it all and invites you to dig into hands-on research with their equipment and even pursue your capstone projects with them.

Our students have rebuilt back-up networks and developed policies for the center, presented new and easier ways of looking a computer’s history to law enforcement, developed travel apps, and more.

Student soldering electronics

Experience That Counts

Get Credit

Internship positions are available each semester that could satisfy academic requirements for an internship, if applicable to your major.

Get Paid

Pick up a career-relevant part-time job or paid internship and enjoy the feeling of getting paid to do what you love.

Build Your Portfolio

Because you’ll work on real projects, you’ll have real talking points and work samples that you can show to future employers.

Work with Clients

This one’s a biggie, but trust us. You’ll have to work with others, think critically, and consider goals and expectations your entire career. Get ahead and start now.

National Recognition

  • National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence logo and U.S. Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center logo
    DC3 Designation

    Champlain College has been recognized as a National Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence (CDFAE) by the U.S. Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3). As one of the first institutions to receive this distinction, Champlain meets or exceeds the standards set by the DC3 and produces highly sought-after graduates in digital forensics and cybersecurity.

    The CDFAE program was created to address the growing need for skilled professionals to combat digital crime. It allows colleges and universities to partner with the government to ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet the increasing demands of digital forensics in law enforcement, government, and corporate security.

  • National Security Agency logo and National Center of Academic Excellence logo
    NSA Designation

    Champlain College has been designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) as a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense Education. With the Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation, Champlain College’s cybersecurity courses, curriculum, and practices meet the criteria established by the NSA and federal partners such as the FBI and the Department of Defense.

    As part of the NCAE program, Champlain actively contributes to strengthening the national information infrastructure through higher education and research in cyber defense. The designation ensures a high standard of cybersecurity education and the production of confident professionals with extensive expertise in cyber defense.

Working at The Leahy Center gave me an opportunity to take what I learned in classes and apply it, hands-on, with the added experience of communicating with others to fully understand the problems that I solve day to day.
Zari Daniels ’25, Computer & Digital Forensics