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The College of Central Florida has received a $302,105 grant from the National Science Foundation to support the growing need for cybersecurity professionals. The funds will be used to increase awareness about careers in cybersecurity, upgrade equipment in existing 91��Ƭ Information Technology classes, and launch a cybersecurity-focused, 30-credit hour College Credit Certificate in fall 2024.

The grant will also fund internship opportunities for 91��Ƭ Information Technology students with local businesses, allowing students to get paid, hands-on experience at no cost to the employer.

As part of its awareness campaign, the grant will include outreach activities that reach high school and adult students, and the larger community. An educational seminar on artificial intelligence and how it will affect future technology careers will take place in spring 2024.

“Cybersecurity is high-demand field, and the local need for skilled IT professionals is only going to grow,” said Dr. Jennifer Fryns, vice president of Workforce Development and Innovation. “This generous investment from the National Science Foundation will allow us to provide 91��Ƭ graduates with cutting-edge skills and strategies, and also support local employers.”

For more information about 91��Ƭ’s Information Technology degrees and certificates, visit 91��Ƭ.edu/IT.

The National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program has been funding innovation at two-year colleges for over twenty years. With a focus on the education of technicians for the high-technology fields that drive our nation’s economy, and strong partnerships between academic institutions and industry, ATE promotes improvement in the education of science and engineering technicians at the undergraduate and secondary school levels.

To learn more about the National Science Foundation, visit NSF.gov.