The University of West Florida (UWF) has secured a $9.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of War's Cyber Academic Engagement Office to significantly expand a national cybersecurity training initiative. This funding represents the largest single federal grant ever awarded to the university and will support the CyberSkills2Work program, which aims to train thousands of new professionals in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Key Takeaways
- The University of West Florida received a record-breaking $9.6 million federal grant for cybersecurity education.
- The funding will expand the CyberSkills2Work program, which aims to train and certify over 4,600 professionals in the next two years.
- The program provides free education for veterans, transitioning military members, their spouses, first responders, and government personnel.
- UWF will lead a coalition of eight universities to deliver the training, which focuses on cybersecurity and AI-enabled roles.
A Landmark Grant for National Security
The $9.6 million award underscores a strategic investment in the nation's digital defense infrastructure. The grant was provided by the U.S. Department of War CIO Cyber Academic Engagement Office to bolster the National Cybersecurity Workforce Development program, a critical effort to fill talent gaps in the security sector.
For the University of West Florida, this funding marks a historic achievement. “This milestone is a testament to the University of West Florida’s national leadership in cybersecurity education and workforce development,” said UWF Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. He noted the university's role in preparing professionals to protect critical systems.
“Our Center for Cybersecurity continues to set the standard for innovation and impact, preparing professionals who will protect our nation’s most critical systems and drive the future of secure technology.” - Manny Diaz Jr., UWF Interim President
Program by the Numbers
- $9.6 Million: Total grant amount.
- 4,688: Professionals to be trained over the next two years.
- 62: Educational pathways offered.
- 41: Specific work roles the program prepares students for.
- 24+: Industry certifications available through the training.
Developing an AI-Enabled Workforce
The expanded CyberSkills2Work program is designed to address the evolving demands of the digital landscape by integrating artificial intelligence with cybersecurity training. This dual focus is intended to equip professionals with skills that are immediately relevant to both government and private industry needs.
Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, the UWF Center for Cybersecurity Associate Vice President and the program's Principal Investigator, emphasized the importance of this integrated approach. “Cybersecurity and AI are at the heart of our nation’s defense, economy and innovation,” Dr. El-Sheikh stated.
The curriculum offers 62 distinct educational pathways. These pathways are structured to provide hands-on skills training that aligns with 41 emerging work roles identified by the Department of War and its industry partners.
Targeted Support for Service Members and Veterans
A central component of the program is its commitment to providing free educational opportunities to specific groups. This includes transitioning military personnel, veterans, military spouses, first responders, and current government employees.
This focus has earned the CyberSkills2Work program recognition as a model for training veterans and fostering successful public-private partnerships. By removing financial barriers, the initiative aims to create a direct pipeline of skilled professionals from service-oriented backgrounds into high-demand cybersecurity careers.
What is the CyberSkills2Work Program?
The CyberSkills2Work program is a national initiative focused on rapidly training and certifying a new generation of cybersecurity professionals. It emphasizes practical skills and alignment with specific job roles needed to protect national infrastructure. The program is recognized for its success in transitioning veterans into the civilian workforce.
A Collaborative National Effort
The $9.6 million grant will not only fund UWF's efforts but will also support two other university-led coalitions. Programs at Purdue University Northwest and the University of Louisville will also receive portions of the funding to lead similar workforce development initiatives.
The coalition led by the University of West Florida brings together a diverse group of academic institutions known for their cybersecurity programs. This collaboration ensures a broad reach and a wealth of shared expertise. The partner universities include:
- Columbus State University
- Dakota State University
- Florida International University
- Metro State University
- University of Arizona
- University of South Florida – Cyber Florida
- University of Texas at San Antonio
This network of universities will work together to deliver the curriculum and prepare the nearly 4,700 professionals for certification and employment. According to Dr. El-Sheikh, this collaborative effort is essential. “Through this historic award and the CyberSkills2Work program, we will equip professionals with future-ready skills that integrate cybersecurity and AI to build a workforce capable of protecting and shaping tomorrow’s digital landscape.”