CyberWorks
Cyber career prep for veterans and first-responders
A federally-funded program to help veterans and first-responders prepare for second careers in cybersecurity
Are you a Florida resident ready for a new career?
The demand for cybersecurity professionals in Florida has never been higher, with sectors such as government, healthcare, finance, and education regularly targeted by cybercriminals. As businesses increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, the need for skilled cybersecurity personnel to safeguard sensitive data and systems becomes paramount. CyberWorks provides specialized training for Florida residents in areas such as network security, digital forensics, threat detection, and incident response, equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to embark on exciting new careers in cybersecurity while helping meet workforce needs.
Through expert online instruction and hands-on learning, these multi-week programs prepare participants to enter the cybersecurity workforce as Tier 1 Cyber Security Analysts, a position with an average starting salary of $111,702.
Apply Now for the
Spring 2027 Cohort
Florida Residents Only
Deadline to apply:
January 13, 2027
Virtual orientation:
January 23, 2027
Classes begin:
February 1, 2027
Classes end:
April 23, 2027
Graduates will receive vouchers to take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam
A Life-Changing Path for Florida Residents
CyberWorks is tailored to meet the needs of Florida’s transitioning veterans, military spouses, first responders, and career-changers.
Applicants should have some knowledge of computers and networking basics. Selected applicants must complete the Cisco Networking Academy: Introduction to Cybersecurity course prior to enrollment. Those ready for a career change should be prepared to commit to a 3-month period to complete the Cyber Defense Fundamentals course. We expect students to spend 15–20 hours per week dedicated to the program.
-
Who is eligible?
CyberWorks is offered free of charge to Florida residents who are:
- Veterans
- Transitioning Military Members (Active-duty members in their last year of service)
- First Responders (Law Enforcement, EMT/Paramedic, Fire Services, 911 Dispatcher, or Emergency Management/Operations)
- Military Spouses (Spouse must be active duty)
- Government Employees (Federal, State, Local, Tribal, or Territorial)
Selected applicants will be invited to the prerequisite course, Cisco Networking Academy: Introduction to Cybersecurity. The prerequisite course must be completed before enrolling in the Cyber Defense Fundamental program.
-
How is it structured?
CyberWorks is a 12-week virtual course with online content and 3 one-hour live virtual sessions per week. The CyberWorks program includes:
- Online coursework includes pre-recorded seminars, virtual lab assignments, discussions, quizzes and a final examination.
- Twice a week live instructor-led evening online sessions
- Once a week virtual cybersecurity industry guest speaker lunchtime sessions
- Engaging in career development workshops and resources
- On-on-one mentorship with a career coach
- Virtual Orientation event to welcome participants to the program
- Participate in program evaluation surveys and interviews
- Participants who successfully complete the course will receive vouchers to take the CompTIA and Security+ exam
-
What's the schedule?
Applications Open: Thursday, October 1, 2026
Applications Close: Wednesday, January 13, 2027
Orientation: Saturday, January 23, 2027, from 10 AM–12 PM
Cohort Start Date: Monday, February 1, 2027
Cohort End Date: Friday, April 23, 2027Class Schedule (Eastern Time)
Lecture Hours (required)
Monday 7 PM–8 PM
Thursday 7 PM–8 PM
Lab Hours (optional)
Wednesday 7 PM–9PM
Office Hours
Monday, 6 PM–7 PM, 8 PM–9 PM
Wednesday, 6 PM–7 PM
Thursday 6, PM–7 PM, 8 PM–9 PM -
What is the workload like?
This 12-week hybrid course is intended to be manageable for adults working full-time, but the accelerated nature of the course does demand a significant time investment. In addition to recorded seminars, online lab exercises, and quizzes, there are two one-hour live evening, instructor-led class sessions and one one-hour guest-speaker lunch session per week.
Participants are expected to:
- Make time to study course materials as well as outside resources as needed
- Complete all assigned coursework, including watching presentations, reviewing modules, working on virtual labs, taking quizzes, etc.
- Attend the weekly evening instructor lab sessions
- Attend the weekly virtual guest speaker sessions and/or professional development workshops
- Engage in career readiness activities and resources
- Attend a virtual orientation session at the start of the program
- Participate in program evaluation surveys and interviews
- Study and take the certification exam within 7 days of program completion
-
What kind of computer do I need?
Participants will need consistent access to reliable internet and the following computer requirements:
For a Mac computer:
- Must be a MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacAir, iMac (*NO IPADS*)
- No older than a 2017 edition
- With 8 GB RAM or greater
- With at least 100GB free space on the hard drive (for downloading virtual machine software, guest OS installation, and associated files)
For a Windows-based computer:
- Running Microsoft Windows 11
- Intel- or AM-based processor (no ARM processors)
- Intel: i5 7th generation or newer with VT-x virtualization technology (at least)
- AMD: 2017 or newer processor with hypervisor technology
- 12 GB of RAM or greater
- 2.0 GHz processor speed or greater
- At least 100GB of free space on the hard drive (for downloading virtual machine software, guest OS installation, and associated files)
-
What do I need to apply?
Apply on the CyberSkills2Work website: https://cyberskills2work.org/. Select the following Training Program: Defensive Cybersecurity Pathway–University of South Florida: Cyber Florida
Phase 1: Eligible candidates should submit their completed application survey and required documents for review by the program staff.
Required documents that must be uploaded to complete the application include- Current professional resume
- Valid photo identification
- Proof of first responder, military service, or government employment documentation as applicable
Phase 2: Once your complete application package is received, program staff will schedule a virtual interview.
Phase 3: Selected candidates are notified of acceptance and registered in the prerequisite course, Cisco Networking Academy: Introduction to Cybersecurity. Candidates will be enrolled in the CyberWorks program upon their completion of the prerequisite course. -
What will I learn?
Cyber Defense Fundamentals
General Security Concepts
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations
Security Architecture
Security Operations
Security Program Management and Oversight
CyberWorks is funded by the DoW CIO Cyber Academic Engagement Office and the NSA National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Program.
