Are you ready for a new career?

The demand for cybersecurity professionals in Florida has never been higher, with various sectors, including government, healthcare, finance, and education, regularly targeted by cybercriminals. As businesses increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, the need for skilled cybersecurity personnel capable of safeguarding sensitive data and infrastructure becomes paramount. CyberWorks provides specialized training 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 students to enter the cybersecurity workforce as Tier 1 Cyber Security Analysts, a position with an average starting salary of $111,727.

The Fall 2023 and Winter 2023/Spring 2024 CyberWorks Cohorts

Spring 2026

Funded by:

Deadline to apply:
December 10, 2025

Program dates:
January 26 – April 17, 2026

Virtual orientation:
Saturday, January 17, 2026

Classes begin:
Monday, January 26, 2026

Outcome:Graduates will receive vouchers to take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam

CyberWorks has some brilliant alumni, check out two of them below!
Find additional CyberWorks video testimonials on our YouTube channel.

A new path

CyberWorks is tailored to meet the needs of transitioning veterans, military spouses, first responders and career-changers.

Applicants should have some knowledge of computers and networking basics. Selected applicants must complete the CompTIA a+ Cyber course prior to enrollment. Those ready for a career change should be prepared to make a three-month commitment to complete the Cyber Defense Fundamentals course. We expect students to spend 15-20 hours per week dedicated to the program.

Read more on specific program requirements/information below.

CyberWorks is offered free of charge to Florida residents who are:

  • Veterans
  • Transitioning Military Members (Active-duty member 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, CompTIA a+ Cyber. The prerequisite course must be completed prior to enrollment in the Cyber Defense Fundamental program.

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

CompTIA Security+ curriculum: January-April 2026 (12 weeks)

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 an 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

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 free space on the hard drive (for downloading virtual machine software, guest OS installation, and associated files)

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 with required documents to be reviewed 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, CompTIA a+ Cyber. Candidates will be enrolled in the CyberWorks program upon their completion of the prerequisite course.

Cyber Defense Fundamentals

General Security Concepts
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations
Security Architecture
Security Operations
Security Program Management and Oversight

This pathway is part of the CyberSkills2Work Program led by the University of West Florida and funded by the DoD CIO Cyber Academic Engagement Office. Visit cyberskills2work.org for more information.

DoD Cyber Academic Engagement Office