The project aims to strengthen cybersecurity workforce development in florida by expanding cyber floridas ramps community to include additional critical infrastructure (CI) partners, three public high…

The University of South Florida received a $405,507 Cooperative Agreement from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the Science, Technology, Business and/or Education Outreach program (CFDA 11.620), effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027. The award funds the expansion and enhancement of Cyber Florida's Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships (RAMPS) cybersecurity education initiative to strengthen critical infrastructure (CI) workforce development across Florida. Primary deliverables include a 14-week hands-on training program aligned with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Workforce Framework (NICE), integrated cybersecurity modules incorporated into the University of South Florida curriculum, and mentorship, internship, and site visit opportunities for undergraduate students. The project will also deliver tabletop exercises and credentials such as Global Information Assurance Certification Security Professional (GICSP) to prepare students for CI-sector employment.

The initiative expands workforce development pathways by engaging additional CI partners, three public Florida high schools, and high school teachers alongside University of South Florida undergraduates. Deliverables include dissemination of findings, tools, and research products to the broader cybersecurity education community through statewide and national outreach events and partnerships. No sub-awards are planned under this cooperative agreement. The project aims to develop job-ready cybersecurity professionals for critical infrastructure sectors while advancing curriculum alignment with industry-recognized standards and increasing awareness and participation among Florida high school communities.

Activities

Key activities include an intensive training program, integration of hands-on cybersecurity modules into the USF curriculum, and regular site visits, mentorship, and internship opportunities for students. The project will also engage high school teachers and students, deliver tabletop exercises, and disseminate findings statewide and nationally through partnerships and outreach events.

Expected outcomes

The project expects to produce a well-trained, job-ready cybersecurity workforce for CI sectors, enhance curriculum alignment with nice framework, and elevate student preparedness through credentialing and soft skills development. IT will also result in increased awareness and participation among high school communities and expanded CI sector collaboration across florida and beyond.

Intended beneficiaries

Primary beneficiaries include undergraduate students in USFS cybersecurity program, high school students and teachers in florida, and CI sector employers seeking skilled cybersecurity professionals. The broader cybersecurity education and workforce development community will also benefit from the projects publicly shared tools, research, and outreach efforts.

Subrecipient activities

There are no planned subawards.