This collaborative project between the University of Denver (DU) and the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) seeks to develop faculty expertise and curricula at UDC so that UDC may seek the Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAEIAE) designation from the National Security Agency. DU is assuming the role institutional mentor and is assisting UDC in the development of courses, curriculum and research programs that are necessary for UDC's application for CAEIAE designation. The project makes use of DU extensive on-line and distance learning capabilities through which UDC students can take night classes from DU that transfer for credit to UDC. The project also enhances the quality of the information assurance education at DU through collaborative teaching and research experiences. Graduates from UDC are given special consideration for graduate work at DU. This project increases the number of highly talented and highly qualified female and African-American graduates in the information assurance field, thus addressing a need of documented national importance.