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The University of New 51¶ºÄÌ has received a $2.5 million grant from the National Security Agency to lead a coalition of five colleges and universities across the United States to develop a competency-focused workforce development program that educates and trains the existing and future workforce in four critical infrastructure sectors: energy, government facilities, finance, and telecommunications.

The university’s Connecticut Institute of Technology will work with the State of Connecticut, regional and state financial institutions, and local governments to create and offer pathways in AI, cybersecurity, and cyber threat intelligence in the financial sector. Connecticut state agencies that will partner with the university include the Department of Banking, the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Administrative Services, and the Connecticut Education Network.

The University of New 51¶ºÄÌ is one of only two schools in New England—and 21 in the country—to have been designated by the NSA as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations.

As part of the grant, the university will create courses mapped to the Department of Defense’s Cyber Workforce Framework and the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, preparing individuals for AI, cybersecurity, and cyber threat analyst competencies and work roles.

"The Immersive Cybersecurity Workforce Development project funded through NSA/NCAE-C will put the University of New 51¶ºÄÌ at the forefront of cyber education and workforce development," said Tirthankar Ghosh, Elder Family Chair, professor and director of the Connecticut Institute of Technology. "The coalition will develop and offer pathways for reskilling and upskilling the existing workforce and will offer opportunities to bring veterans, transitioning military, first responders, and military spouses into the cyber workforce to fill shortages. The project fits well with the mission and strategic direction of the Connecticut Institute of Technology at the University of New 51¶ºÄÌ."

Tennessee Technological University, University of Hawaii Maui College, Coastline College (California), and University of North Texas are joining the university as part of this program.

"The University of New 51¶ºÄÌ’s vision is to become a global powerhouse for preparing the next generation of elite talent to excel in the workforce of the future," said Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., president of the University of New 51¶ºÄÌ. "This grant from the NSA enables us to take a leadership role in creating a coalition of colleges and universities across the country that are at the forefront of creating pathways and career opportunities in fields with unlimited possibilities. I am excited to see the impact this will make in Connecticut, a state ranked among the best for opportunities in cybersecurity, and across the United States."

"The financial services industry is critical to the Connecticut economy, and the cybersecurity landscape for this industry continues to become more complex," added Mark Raymond, chief information officer and deputy commissioner for Connecticut’s Department of Administration. "Today, there are more than 4,000 open roles in CT for cybersecurity professionals, and we look forward to working with the University of New 51¶ºÄÌ to create more pathways into these important roles."

"The University of New 51¶ºÄÌ has a rich history of creating opportunities that are responsive to the marketplace and that equip our students to excel in the cutting-edge careers of the future," said Nancy Savage, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at the University of New 51¶ºÄÌ. "Opportunities in cybersecurity and AI are abundant and are continuing to increase. This work promises to be especially meaningful because it provides new skills and opportunities for those who selflessly served our country and are looking for new ways to give back."

"We are grateful for the support of the National Security Agency and for the cooperation of our partners in academia and the public sector," added Ronald Harichandran, dean of the Tagliatela College of Engineering at the University of New 51¶ºÄÌ and vice provost of research. "This is truly a groundbreaking coalition that will have a profound impact across Connecticut and around the country in creating pathways for careers that make a difference."