EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The University of Texas at El Paso is set to receive nearly $2 million in federal funding aimed at strengthening artificial intelligence and cybersecurity training as concerns grow about cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure.
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, announced that UTEP was awarded a $1,990,265 grant to bolster AI and cybersecurity workforce development.
The funding comes through the National Science Foundation as part of the CyberAICorps Scholarship For Service Program.
We must take steps to defend against cyberattacks by training students with the AI and cybersecurity skills needed to protect our critical technology systems,” Cornyn said. “This grant will help Texas grow the ranks of cyber professionals by funding specialized training at universities across the nation, including at some of Texas’ top academic institutions. I was proud to help negotiate the CHIPS and Science Act, which made this award possible, and I look forward to seeing the advancements in AI and cybersecurity it will support.
The program was established by the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014 and later amended by the National Defense Authorization Acts for 2018 and 2021. It was expanded to include AI workforce authority through the CHIPS and Science Act, which Cornyn negotiated.
According to Cornyn’s announcement, the grant funding will provide resources for specialized training in AI and cybersecurity, support students’ placement and retention in the CyberAI mission of government organizations, and help advance the CyberAI field and the protection of U.S. national security.
Cornyn is a member of the Senate Finance, Judiciary, Intelligence, Foreign Relations and Budget committees.
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