Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a news conference after announcing a $20 million dollar program to create cybersecurity opportunities through the Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida Wednesday, March 2, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
SRDTF News
UPDATED 11:54 AM PT – Friday, March 4, 2022
Students at University of South Florida took in a breathe of fresh air as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) visited to make a big announcement. At the USF campus Wednesday, the Republican announced a $20 million investment in cybersecurity workforce education, saying this will give young Floridians more opportunities and strengthen national security.
DeSantis explained that USF will work with partners to expand programs for middle school, high school and college students to obtain credentials in cyber security. He added funding will be used to train new teachers and purchase training equipment.
Additionally, the chair of USF Board of Trustees, Will Weatherford, stressed the importance of preparing for potential cyber attacks, which he described as a new type of warfare.
Governor DeSantis is at the University of South Florida to announce investments in cybersecurity workforce education. https://t.co/hfcVPmDacb
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) March 2, 2022
Looking ahead, DeSantis expects Florida’s new grant to double enrollment in cyber security IT pathways at a middle school, high school and college level by 2024. He stressed investments like these are critical for strengthening national security.