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UWF CyberSkills2Work Program

Program Overview

The UWF CyberSkills2WorkTM Program, offered by the University of West Florida’s Center for Cybersecurity, is an intensive cybersecurity training program designed to help individuals launch or advance cybersecurity careers. The program provides FREE cybersecurity training and career development for eligible transitioning military, first responders, veterans, military spouses, women, underrepresented employees, and government employees to prepare and transition them into rewarding cybersecurity jobs in our nation’s Critical Infrastructure Sectors, including defense industrial base, energy, and financial services.

Delivery Format: Online (100% Asynchronous)


The UWF CyberSkills2WorkTM Program is part of the National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program led by UWF. Visit the CyberSkills2Work.org site to learn more.

2025 Program Information

Four training pathways will be offered to prepare participants for System Administration, AI and Machine Learning for Cybersecurity, Defensive Cybersecurity, AI and Data Management for Cybersecurity, and related cyber work roles. The program will provide asynchronous online training courses, industry certification preparation and vouchers, digital badges and credentials, professional development, and job placement support.

Each pathway will be offered for a cohort of 35 eligible participants. All costs for eligible and accepted participants will be covered by the NSA grant.

 

System Administration Pathway (Entry Level)
January 21 - August 15, 2025

The Systems Administration Pathway is designed to prepare participants for entry-level system administrator or related work roles, which are responsible for setting up and maintaining a system or specific components of a system (for example, installing, configuring, and updating hardware and software; establishing and managing user accounts; overseeing or conducting backup and recovery tasks; implementing operational and technical security controls; and adhering to organizational security policies and procedures). The pathway may lead to cyber defense infrastructure support specialist work role tasks that support tests and implements, deploys, maintains, and administers the infrastructure hardware and software. Graduates could perform other jobs, including as a platform specialist, security administrator, server administrator, system operations personnel, system security administrator, Local Area Network (LAN)/Wide Area Network (WAN) administrator, UNIX/Windows system administrator, and web administrator. The program includes industry certification prep courses and vouchers for CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+.

Course Title Course Dates
Essential Cyber Defenses January 21 - January 31, 2025
CompTIA Network+ Prep Course February 10 - April 18, 2025
EC-Council Generative AI for Cybersecurity April 28 - May 16, 2025
Introduction to Linux May 26 - June 6, 2025
CompTIA Security+ Prep Course June 16 - August 15, 2025

Application Deadline: November 22, 2024

 

AI and Machine Learning for Cybersecurity Pathway (Entry Level)
January 21 - August 15, 2025

The AI and Machine Learning for Cybersecurity Pathway is designed to prepare participants for roles that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques to enhance cybersecurity defenses. Participants will gain foundational knowledge and hands-on skills in AI technologies and their applications in detecting and mitigating cyber threats, while also building a solid understanding of networking and security fundamentals through CompTIA Network+ and Security+ certification prep courses. The pathway will equip learners to apply AI and generative AI techniques to identify and respond to cyber attacks, automate security processes, and develop proactive defense mechanisms through ISACA AI and EC-Council Generative AI courses. The pathway will prepare learners for a role such as a Cybersecurity Analyst, where they will leverage cutting-edge AI technologies to protect critical systems and data. The program includes industry certification prep courses and vouchers for CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+.

Course Title Course Dates
ISACA AI Fundamentals Prep Course January 21 - February 7, 2025
CompTIA Network+ Prep Course February 17 - April 18, 2025
EC-Council Generative AI for Cybersecurity April 28 - May 16, 2025
Applied AI for Cybersecurity May 26 - June 6, 2025
CompTIA Security+ Prep Course June 16 - August 15, 2025

Application Deadline: November 22, 2024

 

Defensive Cybersecurity Pathway (Intermediate Level)
February 3 - August 29, 2025

The Defensive Cybersecurity Pathway is designed to prepare participants for cyber defense analyst and related work roles, which use defensive measures and information collected from a variety of sources to identify, analyze, and report events that occur, or might occur, within the network in order to protect information and information systems from threats. Participants will also learn how to evaluate and implement security protocols and practices within their employer’s organization. The program includes an industry certification prep course and vouchers for CompTIA Security+ and Cybersecurity Analyst+.

*The Defensive Cybersecurity pathway is not open to federal government employees.

Course Title Course Dates
CompTIA Security+ Prep Course February 3 - April 11, 2025
Critical Infrastructure Security April 21 - May 2, 2025
Penetration Testing May 12 - May 23, 2025
EC-Council Generative AI for Cybersecurity June 2 - June 20, 2024
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst+ (CYSA+) Prep Course June 30 - August 29, 2025

Application Deadline: November 22, 2024

 

AI and Data Management for Cybersecurity Pathway (Intermediate Level)
February 3 - July 11, 2025

The AI and Data Management for Cybersecurity Pathway is designed to prepare participants for cybersecurity roles through artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and data management knowledge, skills, and certifications, including CompTIA Security+, ISACA AI Fundamentals and EC-Council Generative AI for Cybersecurity. Learners will develop expertise in data management and security, ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of critical information, while also exploring AI and machine learning (ML) methods to protect data from cyber threats. The pathway includes a comprehensive understanding of AI fundamentals, generative AI models for cybersecurity, and practical applications in data security. The pathway will prepare learners for roles such as a Cybersecurity Analyst, or Data Governance Analyst, utilizing AI and data management techniques to safeguard sensitive information. The program includes an industry certification prep course and voucher for CompTIA Security+.

*The AI and Data Management for Cybersecurity Pathway is not open to federal government employees.

Course Title Course Dates
CompTIA Security+ Prep Course February 3 - April 4, 2025
ISACA AI Fundamentals Prep Course April 14 - May 2, 2025
Data Management and Security May 12 - May 23, 2025
EC-Council Generative AI for Cybersecurity June 2 - June 20, 2025
Applied AI for Cybersecurity June 30 - July 11, 2025

Application Deadline: November 22, 2024

 

Cyber Skills Exercises

Looking for additional opportunities to expand your cybersecurity knowledge and expertise? Sign up for one-day Cyber Skills Exercises! Click here for more information.

 Program Benefits

  • Offers three short-term, intensive cybersecurity training pathways and career development support at no cost to eligible participants.
  • Instructor-led courses are taught by UWF faculty and prepare students for cybersecurity careers with foundational knowledge and hands-on skills and exercises via the Florida Cyber Range®.
  • Includes industry certification prep courses and vouchers, including CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+.
  • Career development support and access to connect with employers and job opportunities via the National Employers Cybersecurity Network.
  • Provides industry certifications, digital badges, and credentials to document skills and competencies.
  • Program and courses are 100% asynchronous online, making learning accessible and convenient. Some course and program activities may include optional synchronous online, e.g., Q&A sessions, which will be recorded for asynchronous viewing.

 Program Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for program consideration, applicants must meet the following requirements:

U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident 

  • Be a transitioning military member, transitioning first responder, veteran, military spouse, woman, underrepresented minority, or government employee. The Defensive Cybersecurity and the Artificial Intelligence/Data Management for Cybersecurity pathways are not open to federal government employees.
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Strong interest in cybersecurity and working in the field upon completion of the program
  • Availability to fully participate in program during the entire duration and complete all course and program requirements
  • Some IT or cybersecurity experience 
  • Once selected, participants will also need to meet any other program requirements. Some job opportunities may require the ability to obtain a security clearance.

Preferred Requirements

  • Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in IT or STEM-related area
  • At least two years of IT or cybersecurity experience
  • Security clearance (active or past)

 Program Participation Requirements

These are intensive training programs. Participants must dedicate ample time to participating in and completing all program and course requirements. To succeed in the program, participants should plan to spend approximately 10-20 hours per week on program and course requirements. 

All selected applicants must agree and comply with the following:

  • Commit to participate in the program during the entire duration (courses will not run for the entire duration but participants should be available during that time frame).
  • Must have your own working computer with camera and mic and reliable high-speed Internet connection.
  • Participate in all program and course activities and meetings, including scheduled courses, industry certification exam preparation, career development, and information sessions.
  • Dedicate time towards self-study and complete all program and course requirements, including assigned readings, labs, assessments, and surveys each week.
  • Register for industry certification exams during those courses and take the exams within two weeks of each certification course completion. Report the exam date and results to the course instructor.
  • Actively participate in job searches and employment placement efforts during and upon completion of the program.

Application Deadline and Process

System Administration pathway: November 22, 2024

AI and Machine Learning for Cybersecurity pathway: November 22, 2024

Defensive Cybersecurity pathway: November 22, 2024

AI and Data Management for Cybersecurity pathway: November 22, 2024

*** ALL APPLICATIONS ARE REVIEWED ON A FIRST-COME BASIS ***

Prospective applicants should apply via the CyberSkills2Work.org site. Visit CyberSkills2Work.org and select “Apply” in the top right corner to create a learner account and apply. Select the appropriate University of West Florida training pathway(s) you would like to apply for when prompted.

Apply

Interested in cybersecurity training but not a transitioning military member, transitioning first responder, veteran, military spouse, woman, underrepresented minority, or government employee? We offer other training programs that you may be eligible for! Please complete the interest form and email Francine Coller <fcoller@uwf.edu> for more information. 

 Application Requirements

We encourage prospective applicants to begin to collect all required documents in the interest of time.

Required Documents:

  • A brief up-to-date resume
  • A copy of unofficial transcripts for your most advanced degree completed (high school, associate's, or bachelor's degree)

As part of the application process, you'll need to provide documentation to confirm your citizenship or permanent residency status, as well as evidence demonstrating your eligibility to participate (service records, employment verification form, etc.). It's advisable to gather this information before beginning your application.

  • For Transitioning First Responders: Submit (a) a signed verification letter of first responder’s service on the organization’s letterhead from the first responder’s job supervisor or Human Resources representative, and includes the dates of your service, the position you held while in service, the duties you performed, and the phone number where we can reach the verifying personnel, or (b) the completed First Responder Service Verification Form that we will send you.

**At least one verification of service must be completed from the first responder job supervisor or Human Resources representative and who can be available by phone.

For Transitioning Military Personnel and Military Spouses: Submit a copy of your orders, or your Electronic Military Service Record, for example…

  • ERB (Army – Enlisted Record Brief) reflecting full/current active duty service history
  • CDB (Air Force – Career Data Brief)
  • BIR (Marine Corps – Basic Individual Record), reflecting full/current active duty service history
  • ESR (Navy – Electronic Service Record) or NSIPS (Navy Standard Integrated Personnel Systems), reflecting full/current active duty service history
  • El-PDR or USCG Military Record  or DD-214 (National Coast Guard - Electronic Personnel Data Record )

**Please redact any sensitive information from any documents, including social security number, etc, before submitting them.

For Veterans: Submit a copy of your DD-214/DD 215 or Record of Separation. The Department of Veterans Affairs makes validating military service easy. Just log in to eBenefits and follow these steps:

**Please redact any sensitive information from any documents, including social security number, etc, before submitting them.

More Information or Questions?

Please contact the Program Coordinator, Francine Coller, at cyberskills2work@uwf.edu.

 

UWF CyberSkills2WorkTM Program Team

Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, Associate Vice President, UWF Center for Cybersecurity

Dr. Guillermo Francia, III, Director, Research and Innovation, UWF Center for Cybersecurity

Guy Garrett, Associate Director, Technology and Training, UWF Center for Cybersecurity

Dr. Elizabeth Rasnick, Assistant Professor, UWF Center for Cybersecurity

Connar McCasland, Cybersecurity Instructor, UWF Center for Cybersecurity

Francine Coller, Program Coordinator, UWF Center for Cybersecurity

Sajida Shabanali, Employers Network Coordinator, UWF Center for Cybersecurity

Rhonda Wiggins, CISA Program Coordinator, UWF Center for Cybersecurity

 

Resources

 

This program is part of the National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program, CyberSkills2WorkTM, and funded by the National Security Agency National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) Program and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).