The University of West Florida has received the largest federal grant in its history — a $9.6 million award from the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer’s Cyber Academic Engagement Office — to expand a national cybersecurity workforce program at the intersection of defense and artificial intelligence.
The funding will grow CyberSkills2Work, a UWF-led initiative that prepares veterans, public servants, and other learners for high-demand cybersecurity roles. Over the next two years, the program will develop 62 educational pathways, align training with 41 federally defined work roles, and help more than 4,600 professionals earn industry certifications. Participants include transitioning service members, veterans, first responders, military spouses, and government personnel, with all courses offered at no cost.
“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.”…