Prestigious GenCyber Grant Awarded to JU's Davis College
Jacksonville University's Davis College of Business and Technology has recently been honored with a prestigious GenCyber program grant. This program is funded by both the National Security Agency (NSA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). With this grant, the college is now recognized as a leader in cybersecurity education on the First Coast.
Dr. Barbara Ritter, Dean of the Davis College, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "This is a great opportunity for students of all backgrounds to explore and deepen their understanding of cybersecurity to protect others for the common good."
What is the GenCyber Program?
The GenCyber program is an initiative aimed at students in grades 6-11. It is offered at no cost, providing participants with essential skills in cybersecurity. For 2025, the camp funded by this grant will conduct two summer sessions in June, each reaching out to 20 middle school students from underserved communities.
Dr. Saeed Al-Haj, the GenCyber principal investigator and program director, as well as a JU assistant professor of Cybersecurity, remarked, "We are thrilled to host the GenCyber camp and provide middle school students with the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of cybersecurity."
Goals of the GenCyber Program
The program's primary goals include increasing student interest in cybersecurity careers and enhancing diversity within the field. Dr. Mini Zeng, co-principal investigator and JU associate professor of Cybersecurity, highlighted, "Another goal is to prepare students to understand cybersecurity concepts, online privacy, programming, and cyberattacks."
Significance for Florida's Cybersecurity Education
This grant represents a part of a broader initiative to expand cybersecurity education across Florida. Other institutions involved include the University of North Florida, Florida State College at Jacksonville, and the University of West Florida.
The JU Center for Cybersecurity, located within the Davis College, plays an essential role in the region's cybersecurity training and education. It features advanced facilities like the JU Cyber Range. Furthermore, the college's cybersecurity program holds the NSA CAE-CD designation, ensuring high-quality, specialized training for future cybersecurity professionals.
