Governor Ron DeSantis and Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz announced $15.6 million today to expand cybersecurity and information technology training in Florida. Governor DeSantis’ goal is to make Florida the best state in the country for workforce education by 2030.
The funding comes from a collaboration between the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Center for Cybersecurity to inspire and prepare more students to pursue rewarding and lucrative careers in cybersecurity/information technology, while also addressing a national skills shortage in these fields.
The 24 projects funded by this $15.6 million are expected to train 27,000 Florida students over the next year.
Click here to view the list of awards.
“We will continue to invest in ensuring Florida’s high schools and colleges offer programs that allow students to immediately enter the workforce with the ability to secure high-paying jobs,” said Governor Ron DeSantis.
“This funding will not only advance the educational opportunities for Florida students seeking employment in this critical field, but will also create a safer and more stable cyberspace for our future generations.”
Cybersecurity is one of the most rapidly growing and lucrative industries in the United States. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is expected to grow at a “much faster than average” rate of 33% over the next decade. Students can get high-paying jobs right out of high school, with a median salary in the six figures.
“In Florida, Governor DeSantis has prioritized cybersecurity, providing resources to our institutions to meet the demand of cybersecurity professionals,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz.
“Raising awareness and interest in cybersecurity at the K-12 and postsecondary levels is crucial to meet the needs of businesses across Florida and create pathways for students to gain employment with a sustainable salary right after high school.”
This initiative is built on the state’s CTE audit and implementation of HB 1507 to shift K-12 and postsecondary course offerings in a manner that phases out low-demand, low-wage courses and introduces more high-demand, high-wage courses and stackable credentials and pathways that best align Florida’s K-12 and postsecondary systems to workforce demands.
These awards build upon the historic investment Governor DeSantis has secured in workforce education since he took office. Learn more about the program here.