FundingAug 4, 2026, 2:19 PM

UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI receives $1.74M NSF award to advance AI and cybersecurity education and workforce development - University of West Florida

30-second summary

The University of West Florida secured a $1.74 million NSF grant to expand AI and cybersecurity education and workforce training programs.

TickrWire
Key takeaways
  • The NSF awarded $1.74M to UWF’s Center for Cybersecurity and AI for workforce development in AI and cybersecurity.
  • Funding will support curriculum updates, research, and hands-on training programs to meet industry demand.
  • The grant includes partnerships with businesses and government agencies to align education with real-world needs.
  • Part of a national effort to address the shortage of skilled professionals in cybersecurity and AI.
Full story

The University of West Florida’s Center for Cybersecurity and AI has been awarded a $1.74 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enhance education and workforce development in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The funding will support curriculum development, research initiatives, and hands-on training programs designed to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in these critical fields.

The grant aims to bridge the gap between academic training and industry needs by fostering partnerships with local businesses and government agencies. It will also enable the center to expand its outreach efforts, including workshops, internships, and certification programs tailored to both students and working professionals. The initiative reflects a broader push by the NSF to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity and AI talent pipeline amid rising threats and technological advancements.

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Why this matters
Developers

Opportunities for training and certification programs to upskill in AI and cybersecurity.

Businesses

Access to a pipeline of trained professionals and potential collaborations with UWF.

Students

Expanded educational and internship opportunities in high-demand fields.

Everyone

Strengthens national cybersecurity and AI workforce capabilities.

Glossary
NSF
National Science Foundation, a U.S. government agency supporting scientific research and education.
Sources · 1
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