UNLV Launches Scholarship Program for Cyber Defense
The University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV) has unveiled a new scholarship program aimed at preparing students for careers in cybersecurity and cyber defense. With the help of a $3.1 million grant, the university’s College of Engineering plans to establish the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (SFS) program. This initiative aims to train cybersecurity experts to work with artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in federal and local government organizations.
Integrating AI and machine learning into cybersecurity is crucial for proactively identifying and combating complex cyber threats. Juyeon Jo, a project lead and computer science professor at UNLV, emphasized the importance of strengthening the protection of the nation’s critical digital infrastructure. The grant will enable the university to educate students in these sophisticated fields, equipping them to bolster government sectors with cutting-edge cybersecurity defenses.
UNLV has been actively investing in cybersecurity education efforts. Last year, the university received three grants totaling over $3 million from the Small Business Administration, the National Security Agency (NSA), and Google to support its cybersecurity initiatives. These grants expanded the work of UNLV’s Free Cyber Clinic, which was established in 2021 to provide cybersecurity assistance to small businesses in southern Nevada.
The newly launched CyberCorps SFS program at UNLV aims to attract and mentor high-caliber students from both undergraduate and graduate levels. The program also plans to collaborate with local high schools and community colleges to offer more IT security training opportunities, with a particular focus on attracting female and non-white students.
UNLV’s cybersecurity program will leverage the university’s expertise and resources to prepare students primarily for cybersecurity roles in federal or local government organizations. As part of the program, recruited students will receive full scholarships and will be encouraged to participate in extensive cybersecurity training through academic coursework, online modules, and industry certifications.
The program will also provide mentorship opportunities for students, allowing them to work closely with research supervisors. Additionally, students will be able to engage in cyber competitions, attend conferences, take part in summer internships, and receive hands-on training through the Free Cyber Clinic. This practical experience will involve collaborating with local clients to combat a range of cyber threats, including ransomware and phishing attacks.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has recognized the persistent shortage of cybersecurity talent in the United States. Through this scholarship program, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan hopes to bridge this gap by providing diverse student populations with innovative and high-quality educational experiences. The investment aims to develop a strong workforce of cybersecurity graduates equipped with integrated AI skills to tackle future cyber threats.
UNLV joins a growing number of universities focusing on cybersecurity programming with workforce development in mind. Other institutions, such as Rhode Island College and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, have recently launched cybersecurity programs to meet the increasing demand for skilled professionals in this field.
The launch of the CyberCorps SFS program at UNLV is an important step towards preparing students for rewarding careers in cybersecurity and cyber defense. With scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on training, the university aims to create a pipeline of well-trained cybersecurity experts ready to protect critical digital systems and infrastructure.
