Key Takeaways
- The University of West Florida (UWF) Center for Cybersecurity and AI received a $1.74 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s inaugural CyberAICorps Scholarship for Service (CyberAI SFS) program.
- The award will fund full scholarships, stipends, professional development, and expanded job opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in cybersecurity, computer science, and intelligent systems/robotics.
- UWF is one of only 14 institutions nationwide selected for this competitive first‑round award, underscoring its growing national leadership in AI and cybersecurity.
- The “UWF CyberAI SFS FORCE: Future Operations, Resilience, and Career Ecosystem” program will support 16 scholars across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, providing faculty‑mentored research, hands‑on training via the Florida Cyber Range, internships, and competitions.
- A core goal is to create a pipeline into federal government service, strengthening the nation’s ability to protect critical infrastructure and secure AI‑enabled technologies.
- The initiative builds on UWF’s existing designations as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense and an approved NCAE Cyber Artificial Intelligence Program of Study, as well as its leadership in the National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program.
- Interested parties can learn more at uwf.edu/cyberai or by emailing [email protected].
Overview of the NSF CyberAI SFS Award to UWF
The National Science Foundation has awarded the University of West Florida’s Center for Cybersecurity and AI (CCAI) a $1.74 million grant under the newly launched CyberAICorps Scholarship for Service (CyberAI SFS) program. This inaugural funding round is highly competitive, with only 14 institutions across the United States receiving the award. The grant recognizes UWF’s emerging strength at the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity and positions the university as a national hub for training the next generation of professionals who can safeguard critical systems while responsibly leveraging AI capabilities.
Financial Support and Student Benefits
The CyberAI SFS grant will provide comprehensive financial assistance to eligible students, including full tuition scholarships, living stipends, and funds for professional development activities such as conference attendance, certification exams, and specialized workshops. By removing financial barriers, the program aims to attract a diverse pool of talent to UWF’s cybersecurity, computer science, and intelligent systems and robotics curricula. In addition to direct aid, recipients will gain access to expanded job‑placement resources, networking events, and career‑counseling services designed to facilitate smooth transitions into high‑impact roles in both the public and private sectors.
Institutional Recognition and Quote from Provost
UWF Provost Dr. Jaromy Kuhl highlighted the significance of the selection, stating that being one of only 14 institutions chosen for this inaugural award is a “significant recognition of the strength of UWF’s programs in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.” He emphasized that the funding will create new opportunities for students while bolstering recruitment, retention, and career placement outcomes. According to Dr. Kuhl, the program’s success will contribute to the university’s performance on the Board of Governors’ metrics, reinforcing UWF’s commitment to excellence in STEM education and workforce development.
Program Name and Core Components
Titled “UWF CyberAI SFS FORCE: Future Operations, Resilience, and Career Ecosystem,” the initiative is structured to deliver both academic rigor and practical expertise. The program will support 16 CyberAI scholars drawn from undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral cohorts, offering a blended curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with applied skills. Core components include faculty‑mentored research projects, participation in the Florida Cyber Range for simulated cyber‑defense exercises, internships with government and industry partners, and involvement in national cybersecurity competitions. This multifaceted approach ensures that scholars develop a deep understanding of how AI can be harnessed to strengthen cyber defenses while also learning to mitigate the unique risks posed by AI‑driven threats.
Hands‑On Training and Experiential Learning
Experiential learning lies at the heart of the CyberAI SFS FORCE model. Scholars will spend significant time in the Florida Cyber Range, a state‑of‑the‑art platform that replicates real‑world network environments for training in threat detection, incident response, and mitigation strategies. Under the guidance of CCAI faculty, students will design and test AI‑based security tools, conduct red‑team/blue‑team exercises, and analyze large datasets to identify anomalous behavior indicative of cyber attacks. Complementary experiences include summer internships with federal agencies such as the Department of Defense or the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), as well as opportunities to present research findings at conferences like Black Hat, DEF CON, or the ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security.
Alignment with Government Service and Workforce Needs
A strategic objective of the program is to create a robust pipeline into government service, particularly roles that protect federal systems, critical infrastructure, and sectors increasingly dependent on AI technologies. By aligning scholarship requirements with the Service‑for‑Service obligation inherent to the CyberAI SFS framework, graduates will be prepared to accept positions in agencies tasked with national cybersecurity defense. The program also emphasizes the development of soft skills—such as ethical decision‑making, policy awareness, and interdisciplinary communication—that are essential for professionals who must navigate the complex regulatory and operational landscapes surrounding AI deployment in security contexts.
Statement from CCAI Associate Vice President
Dr. Eman El‑Sheikh, CCAI associate vice president, articulated the broader vision behind the initiative: “By creating a sustainable ecosystem linking education, research and government service, our CyberAI SFS FORCE program will advance the nation’s cybersecurity capabilities, support economic prosperity, and enhance national defense and resilience.” She noted that the program’s integrated approach—combining scholarship support, cutting‑edge research, and direct pathways to public‑sector employment—will help close the growing talent gap in AI‑augmented cybersecurity while fostering innovation that benefits both national security and the wider economy.
Building on Existing Cybersecurity and AI Leadership
The award builds upon UWF’s established reputation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense and as one of the first institutions to receive approval for an NCAE Cyber Artificial Intelligence Program of Study. The Center for Cybersecurity and AI already leads the National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program and was honored as the 2025 Academia Innovator of the Year by EC‑Council. These accolades reflect a sustained investment in curriculum development, faculty expertise, and industry partnerships that collectively position UWF at the forefront of efforts to educate professionals capable of addressing the evolving threats posed by sophisticated, AI‑enabled cyber adversaries.
Contact Information and Resources
Prospective students, educators, and partners seeking additional details about the UWF CyberAI SFS FORCE program can visit the Center for Cybersecurity and AI’s website at uwf.edu/cyberai. Specific inquiries regarding application procedures, eligibility criteria, or partnership opportunities should be directed to [email protected]. The university encourages interested parties to reach out early to learn how they can benefit from—or contribute to—this landmark initiative aimed at fortifying the nation’s cybersecurity workforce through the strategic integration of artificial intelligence.