UWF launches free, online cybersecurity training for veterans

PENSACOLA, Fla. — An innovative University of West Florida cybersecurity workforce development program designed to train veterans across Northwest Florida and South Alabama is accepting applications for its initial cohort.

Regions Foundation, the nonprofit initiative of Regions Bank that supports community investments, provided $175,000 to UWF to sponsor the program.

UWF CyberSuccess sponsored by Regions Foundation provides free cybersecurity training and career development online for eligible veterans. The goal of the program is to prepare and transition veterans into rewarding cybersecurity jobs along the Gulf Coast. Program benefits include career development support, access to connect with employers, and industry certifications and credentials to document skills and competencies.

“We are honored to work with Regions Foundation on this important initiative and begin training our veterans for rewarding cybersecurity careers,” said Dr. Eman El-Sheikh, associate vice president, UWF Center for Cybersecurity.

“Northwest Florida is ripe with veterans who possess the skill set to thrive in the booming cybersecurity industry. This program will place veterans into cybersecurity roles to enhance workforce and economic development across our region.”

The UWF Center for Cybersecurity is accepting applications through Wednesday, March 10. Training for the first cohort of seven students will last from March 15 through July 31, 2021. The second cohort of applicants will be selected during the 2021-2022 academic year. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizen or permanent resident, U.S. military veteran, high school diploma or equivalent and some IT or cybersecurity experience.

“Education and workforce readiness are top community engagement priorities for Regions Bank and the Regions Foundation. We are also dedicated to supporting our veterans, whose service to our country deserves special recognition,” said Scott Barrow, market executive for Regions Bank in Pensacola.

“CyberSuccess will help us meet each of those goals here in Pensacola and South Alabama. We are honored to help these brave men and women pave their way forward to rewarding careers in cybersecurity, giving them yet another platform to protect our country from harm as they all have done so well.”

Designated as the Southeast Regional Hub for National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity by the National Security Agency, the UWF Center for Cybersecurity is nationally recognized for its workforce development programs. The cybersecurity workforce shortage is nearly 24,000 in Florida, 6,000 in Alabama and tops 500,000 nationwide according to CyberSeek, a comprehensive cybersecurity workforce analytics website.

The Center for Cybersecurity will utilize its Cybersecurity for All® program to train veterans for cybersecurity careers. Established in 2019, Cybersecurity for All® provides accelerated, flexible education and training pathways for individuals and organizations across sectors, including government, defense and the private sector.

The program leverages the Florida Cyber Range®, a state-of-the-art virtual environment housed at the Center that helps learners develop hands-on skills and competencies through real-world cybersecurity exercises and scenarios.

To apply for UWF CyberSuccess sponsored by Regions, visit uwf.edu/regionscybersuccess. For more information about the UWF Center for Cybersecurity, visit uwf.edu/cyber.

About Regions Foundation
The Alabama-based Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $147 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates more than 1,300 banking offices and 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.