The White House Office of the National Cyber Director, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, organized a high-profile workshop that brought together leaders from industry, government, and academia. The event aimed to address how to better support veterans and military spouses in the field of cybersecurity. Following the workshop, a summary was released detailing the discussions and outcomes. Key topics included best practices, challenges, and available resources.
Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, associate vice president at the UWF Center for Cybersecurity, and Francine Coller, program coordinator, showcased CyberSkills2Work—a pioneering program designed to significantly boost the number of qualified cybersecurity professionals.
“We were privileged to contribute to the workshop hosted by the White House Office of the National Cyber Director, sharing our successful strategies and experiences to help veterans and military spouses embark on or advance in cybersecurity careers,” said El-Sheikh. “We eagerly anticipate further collaboration with our governmental and industrial partners to grow CyberSkills2Work and fortify our national cybersecurity capabilities.”
CyberSkills2Work, spearheaded by the UWF Center for Cybersecurity, benefits from the backing of the NSA’s National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Program and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). This initiative, which involves 11 NCAE-C institutions, offers a curriculum focused on skill-building, industry certifications, and professional growth, preparing individuals for a variety of roles within the cybersecurity sector.
Since its inception in 2020, CyberSkills2Work has rapidly expanded, now providing complimentary training for 16 NICE cyber work roles and 17 industry certifications through 28 adaptable training options. The program has supported over 3,300 participants, including veterans, first responders, transitioning military members, military spouses, underrepresented groups, women, and government employees at all levels. The complete curriculum, including more than 200 learning materials, is accessible through the CLARK repository.
The event also highlighted the significant role of CyberSkills2Work in advancing cybersecurity workforce development and public-private collaboration. The program was featured as a model example in the inaugural National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy, which aims to revolutionize cyber education. Earlier this year, UWF pledged to increase the nation’s cybersecurity workforce by 1,550 professionals over the next two years through CyberSkills2Work. UWF is open to engaging with employers and partners interested in supporting this impactful program.
