The MIAMICYBER2WORK: miami cybersecurity workforce initiative building pathways will develop a structured learning, research, and hands-on program for florida international university students to…

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded Florida International University a $300,000 cooperative agreement under the Science, Technology, Business and/or Education Outreach program (CFDA 11.620) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. The MiamiCyber2Work: Miami Cybersecurity Workforce Initiative Building Pathways program will deliver structured learning, research, and hands-on training to prepare undergraduate cybersecurity students at FIU for internship placements and subsequent employment in the region. Core deliverables include student identification and recruitment during the junior year, co-taught special topics coursework combining faculty instruction with employer mentorship, paid 12-week internships, and comprehensive professional development services including resume workshops, site visits, and soft skills training.

The program will support students with scholarships, research opportunities aligned with industry needs, and coursework on emerging cybersecurity technologies over a two-year implementation period. Success will be measured through academic performance metrics, industry certifications, internship completion rates, and post-graduate employment outcomes. The initiative targets local employers, educational institutions, and the broader Miami community with a pipeline of workforce-ready cybersecurity professionals equipped with technical, professional, and research skills. No subawards are planned, and the program will be implemented directly by FIU with partner employer organizations serving in mentoring and placement capacities.

Activities

The MIAMICYBER2WORK program will support undergraduate cybersecurity students over two years with scholarships, research opportunities, mentorship, and 12-week paid internships. Students will engage in coursework on emerging technologies, participate in research aligned with industry needs, and receive comprehensive professional development, including resume workshops, site visits, and soft skills training.

Expected outcomes

The program will enhance student retention, graduation, and job placement in cybersecurity by equipping participants with technical, professional, and research skills tailored to local workforce needs. IT aims to increase employer-aligned talent pipelines, build sustainable partnerships, and narrow regional cybersecurity workforce gaps, with success measured through academic performance, certification, internship completion, and post-graduate employment.

Intended beneficiaries

The program targets undergraduate students at FIU, particularly those who seek careers in cybersecurity. Local employers, educational institutions, and the broader miami community will benefit from a more qualified, better-prepared, and workforce-ready pool of cybersecurity professionals.

Subrecipient activities

There are no planned subawards.