Pensacola, Fla. – Oct. 8, 2025 – The University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity has been awarded a $9.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of War CIO Cyber Academic Engagement Office to expand the National Cybersecurity Workforce Development program. This is the largest federal grant awarded to the University to date. 

“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 National Cybersecurity Workforce Development, CyberSkills2Work, program will expand the national cybersecurity workforce through 62 educational pathways that focus on hands-on skills and emerging work roles. It will also prepare AI-enabled cybersecurity professionals for over 24 industry certifications and 41 work roles that align with DoW and industry needs while also providing free education for eligible transitioning military, first responders, veterans, military spouses and government personnel. 

This program has been recognized as an exemplar for training veterans and public-private partnerships. Over the next two years, the program will prepare over 4,688 newly credentialed cybersecurity and AI professionals.

“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, Dr. Eman El-Sheikh. “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 grant will fund three coalitions, including the UWF-led CyberSkills2Work Program and programs led by Purdue University Northwest and the University of Louisville. The UWF-led coalition includes 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.

For more information about UWF Center for Cybersecurity, visit uwf.edu/cybersecurity. For more information on the National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program, visit cyberskills2work.org.    

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