UTEP seeks to strengthen cybersecurity in the border region

EL PASO – The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has renewed a partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to improve cybersecurity workforce capacity in the border region and nationally.

UTEP reported that the partnership will design programs and prepare cybersecurity professionals to enhance the nation’s security and economic competitiveness, for which, the university received a $4 million grant from NSF and DHS.

The original program began in 2016 and has left at least 30 graduates, all of whom have landed jobs in the cybersecurity sector with government entities.

“This renewal will support more than 35 computer science (CS) and software engineering graduate students who will join the government workforce with the knowledge and skills to transfer cutting-edge cybersecurity techniques and approaches into practice,” said Salamah Salamah, associate professor and chair of UTEP’s Department of Computer Science.

The renewal of the CyberCorps scholarship program at UTEP will result in support for highly qualified students, with an emphasis on Hispanics and women.

Scholarship recipients receive in addition to their full tuition, six thousand dollars for travel, research materials and supplies, a laptop, books, training and professional certifications, as well as annual support of $34,000 as graduate students and $25,000 as undergraduate students.

In return, recipients commit to a government cybersecurity position for a period of time equal to the number of years funded by the program.

Over the past five years, UTEP has made significant strides in the development of cybersecurity education programs, research and outreach activities.

The central role of software in the operation of defense, energy, communication, transportation and manufacturing systems makes it increasingly important that these systems be designed in a way that integrates cybersecurity principles, Salamah explained.

Source: MEXICO-NOW Staff