The Florida Legislature funded the program through the Cyber Florida: FirstLine initiative.
“This program will equip Florida’s government workforce with the latest knowledge and skills to defend against evolving cyber threats,” said Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, associate vice president at the UWF Center for Cybersecurity. “By integrating AI and emerging technologies, we’re not just meeting today’s challenges, we’re building stronger, smarter defenses and strengthening Florida’s cyber resilience.”
“This investment in cybersecurity training is vital to protecting Florida’s infrastructure and communities,” said UWF Interim President Manny Diaz Jr. “Through this program, UWF continues to play a leading role in building a highly skilled cyber workforce. It will serve as a catalyst for innovation and resilience in our state.”
Additionally, from September 2025 through June 2026, the Center will launch 41 new online courses. Meanwhile, these courses can strengthen Florida’s cyber workforce and help protect critical state and local systems from cyber threats.
Student works on a cybersecurity issue as University of West Florida gained a $2 million grant to expand its cybersecurity training program.Source: University of West Florida
Indeed, the expanded schedule introduces new industry certification prep courses, advanced technical training and interactive one-day cyber skills exercises. They have a focus on leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance cybersecurity.
- Program benefits include:
- Offers short-term, up-to-date training on essential cybersecurity topics at no cost to eligible participants.
- Instructor-led courses taught by UWF faculty and prepare learners for cybersecurity work roles with foundational knowledge and hands-on skills and exercises via the Florida Cyber Range.
- Includes industry certification prep courses and vouchers, including Security+, Network+, Cloud+, CySA+, CASP+, CISSP, CompTIA Linux+, CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep, ISACA Al Fundamentals Exam Prep.
- Provides industry certifications, digital badges, and UWF certificates to document skills and competencies.
- Courses and Cyber Skills Exercises are 100 percent online, making learning accessible and convenient.
Applications for fall courses are now open, and eligible government personnel can click here to register.