CF receives grant for cybersecurity enhancement program

[Courtesy of the College of Central Florida]

The College of Central Florida has received a $302,105 grant to fund cybersecurity and information technology programs.

The grant comes from the National Science Foundation and aims to support cybersecurity as demand in the industry grows. CF will use the funds to raise awareness among potential students about pursuing careers in cybersecurity, upgrade equipment for IT classes and to create a new certificate in cybersecurity program.

The 30-credit hour certificate program will be available for students starting in the fall semester of 2024.

“Cybersecurity is a high-demand field, and the local need for skilled IT professionals is only going to grow,” said Jennifer Fryns, vice president of workforce development and innovation, in a press release. “This generous investment from the National Science Foundation will allow us to provide CF graduates with cutting-edge skills and strategies, and also support local employers.”

Because of the grant, IT students will also have opportunities to intern at local businesses. It will also fund an outreach program that will connect high school students and adults to the industry through a seminar on artificial intelligence in spring of 2024.

For more information about CF’s Information Technology degrees and certificates, visit CF.edu/IT.