Department of War grant will allow UWF to work with two other Florida schools among another five universities.
The University of West Florida (UWF[1]) has secured a $ 9.6 million federal grant to enhance cybersecurity research at its Panhandle campus.
The U.S. Department of War (DoW[2]) Cyber Academic Engagement Office[3] approved the grant to expand the National Cybersecurity Workforce Development program (CyberSkills2Work). It’s a record amount for any grant at the Pensacola campus. The funding will go to the UWF Center for Cybersecurity[4].
“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. “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.”
The goal of the CyberSkills2Work program is to expand the national cybersecurity workforce through 62 educational curricula that provide hands-on training in essential skills. It also encourages Artificial Intelligence (AI) among cybersecurity workers and offers industry certifications in over two dozen industry sectors that align with DOW qualifications. It also provides free educational opportunities for military personnel, first responders, veterans, and government personnel. DOW officials anticipate 4,688 new positions in cybersecurity and AI in the next two years.
“Cybersecurity and AI are at the heart of our nation’s defense, economy and innovation,” said UWF Center for Cybersecurity Associate Vice President and Principal Investigator for the program, Eman El-Sheik. “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.”
The UWF grant will be used to fund programs led by Purdue University Northwest and the University of Louisville, which will oversee three different research coalitions. The UWF coalition will partner with Columbus State University, Dakota State University, Florida International University, Metro State University, University of Arizona, University of South Florida-Cyber Florida and the University of Texas at San Antonio.
References
- ^ UWF (uwf.edu)
- ^ DoW (www.war.gov)
- ^ Cyber Academic Engagement Office (govciomedia.com)
- ^ Center for Cybersecurity (uwf.edu)