Augusta University to partner with University of West Florida in National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program

Augusta University has been selected as a coalition partner in a two-year, $6 million grant to support cybersecurity workforce development led by the University of West Florida.

The National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program will focus on recruiting, preparing and placing transitioning military and first responders into cybersecurity work roles in critical infrastructure sectors, including financial services, defense industrial base and energy sectors.

The program will leverage strong partnerships across the financial services, defense and energy sectors to develop a national employers network, and prepare and place participants within those organizations. Recruitment will prioritize veterans and first responders, and eligible students will receive scholarships to participate.

The cybersecurity workforce shortage tops 500,000 nationwide according to CyberSeek, a comprehensive cybersecurity workforce analytics website. Industry, government and nonprofit partners will collaborate with UWF and the academic coalition, including Augusta University, to align the workforce program with critical needs and prepare students for cybersecurity roles.

“Augusta University is excited to be part of a great group of schools who are developing great opportunities for service members interested in becoming part of the cyber workforce,” said Dr. Michael Nowatkowski, School of Computer and Cyber Sciences cyber workforce coalition representative. “We look forward to helping those veterans in and around the Fort Gordon area to set them up for success in the workforce.”

UWF will lead a team of nationally designated cybersecurity institutions, including Augusta University, Dakota State University, Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso, Florida International University, University of Houston, Metropolitan State University, San Antonio College, Cyber Florida at the University of South Florida and the University of Texas at San Antonio.

The workforce program pathways will be offered across the nation by the 10 Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designated institutions, including Augusta University, via delivery formats including face-to-face, online and hybrid. The program website will provide a one-stop shop to recommend cybersecurity work roles, connect students with CAE-C institutions offering workforce pathways and with employers hiring for those roles.

To inquire about student or employer participation in the workforce program, email cybersecurity@uwf.edu.