UWF earns national recognition for cybersecurity outreach initiatives

The University of West Florida placed second in the 2024 CAE-CD Community Outreach Award Competition, which is given by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Community to a CAE-Cyber Defense designated institution. The award was announced at the 2024 CAE in Cybersecurity Symposium held in Charleston, South Carolina, on April 8-10.

"This national recognition for UWF is a reflection of the outstanding work of the UWF Center for Cybersecurity," said UWF Provost Dr. Jaromy Kuhl. "The center has built innovative outreach programs that not only serve our community partners but also strengthen the cybersecurity talent pipeline across our region and beyond. This award affirms our commitment to meaningful engagement, workforce development and academic excellence that directly benefits our students and the communities we serve."

This is the third consecutive year UWF has placed in the top two out of more than 450 universities and colleges designated as NCAE-C institutions across the U.S. that were eligible for the award, placing second in 2023 and first in 2022. The CAE-CD Community Outreach Award was established to showcase CAE-designated institutions that are going above and beyond and recognize their outstanding community outreach initiatives.

"Giving back to our communities is at the heart of what we do - whether it's through training for veterans and government personnel, hands-on K12 camps and workshops, or cybersecurity awareness campaigns," said Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, associate vice president for the UWF Center for Cybersecurity. "This recognition reinforces our mission to lead by example and empower others through innovative and impactful outreach."

The UWF Center for Cybersecurity received the award for its outstanding community outreach activities that promote cybersecurity awareness, education and research including:

• Workforce Development Programs: The UWF Center for Cybersecurity offered numerous workforce development programs, including free training for veterans and first responders through the CyberSkills2Work Program and free training for state and local government personnel through the Florida Cybersecurity Training Program.
• UWF Cyber Ambassadors Program: The ambassadors visited K-12 schools in Northwest Florida to share their cybersecurity expertise and increase students' cybersecurity awareness through engaging activities and demos.
• UWF Night of Cyber: The UWF Center for Cybersecurity promoted cybersecurity awareness, careers, educational programs and resources to students and the community. Night of Cyber explores various cyber career opportunities for high school and college undergraduate students and adult learners. Students hear from industry professionals and academic instructors about the opportunities and paths to achieve their dreams.
• GenCyber Pathways to Cyber Summer Camps: The UWF Center for Cybersecurity hosted two GenCyber camps for rising 7th-10th-graders. The students received an introduction to the various aspects of cybersecurity work focused on the six GenCyber Concepts: confidentiality, integrity, availability, defense in depth, keep it simple and think like the adversary.
• Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Cybersecurity Careers Awareness Week Champion: Activities included sharing best practices, information on cyber careers, promoting cybersecurity awareness and career events, and encouraging good cyber hygiene.
• Throughout the year, UWF and Center personnel participated in numerous community events, conferences and media interviews to share their expertise and enhance cybersecurity awareness and education.

For more information on the UWF Center for Cybersecurity, visit uwf.edu/cybersecurity.