JPMorgan Chase Invests $150,000 in Cyber Florida to Support Veterans Cyber security Training Program

JPMorgan Chase has invested an additional $150,000 in Cyber Florida and its host institution, the University of South Florida, to launch a new iteration of the successful New Skills for a New Fight (NSNF) program, which provides free cyber security training to help local veterans gain the skills needed to fill vital positions in the local civilian workforce.

The program provides 20 veterans with eight weeks of instruction to prepare them for security operations analyst positions or similar roles. Classes will begin in July on the Tampa campus of the University of South Florida and are open to anyone who is eligible to receive veterans’ benefits from the State of Florida. Applicants can learn more and apply by visiting https://www.cyberflorida.org/NSNF.

USF Foundation CEO & Senior Vice President of Advancement and Alumni Relations Joel Momberg said, “We are thankful for JPMorgan Chase’s continued support of veterans. This grant opens doors for the bravest among us to enter a field that becomes more important by the day.”

JPMorgan Chase has committed more than $350,000 to Cyber Florida’s New Skills for a New Fight program since its pilot in 2016. Programs like these are needed to help meet the growing shortfall of cyber security talent in Florida. There are currently 13,500 open cyber security positions in Florida, according to the research organization CyberSeek. The average starting salary for a cyber security analyst is $56,216, according to Indeed.com.

“In many cases, the training, education, and experience that a veteran receives during his or her time in the armed forces makes them an ideal candidate to work in cyber security, a field that benefits from skills such as analytical thinking, crisis management and response, and the ability to follow procedures and function as part of a cohesive team,” remarked Sri Sridharan, director of Cyber Florida. “We are grateful to JPMorgan Chase for once again funding this important and worthwhile initiative, which will not only help veterans prepare for long-term, high-paying careers but also help address a critical workforce need,” he said.

JPMorgan Chase has long been committed to supporting local military and veterans’ programs focused on employment, housing, and education. In 2014, the firm contributed $235,750 to the USF Office of Veterans Success to promote post-military success through mentorships, academic support, and employment readiness.

“It is critical that we provide the right training to help our veterans transition to civilian life,” said Mark Elliott, head of JPMorgan Chase’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Not only are they physically and mentally strong, they are able to quickly assess risk and adapt quickly in a variety of situations. Those skills make them ideal candidates to fill open positions across a range of fields.”

About JPMorgan Chase

JPMorgan Chase has more than 5,000 employees working in the Tampa Bay area across all its lines of businesses and has invested more than $2 million in local workforce initiatives over the last several years. The firm serves Tampa Bay consumers and small businesses through more than 60 local Chase branches and 200 ATMs.

About Cyber Florida

The Florida Center for Cyber security (Cyber Florida) is a state-funded organization dedicated to positioning Florida as a national leader in cyber security through education and workforce development; innovative, interdisciplinary research; and community outreach. Hosted at the University of South Florida, Cyber Florida works with all 12 State University System of Florida (SUS) institutions as well as industry, government and defense to build partnerships and develop programs that grow and strengthen Florida’s cyber security industry.

About USF Foundation

The USF Foundation connects the University with donors who want to make a difference by providing private, philanthropic support to promote student success, academic initiatives, research, and other strategic priorities of the University of South Florida System.  Our donors celebrate the energy, vision, and future of one of the country’s most exciting and engaged universities. Our people and programs, our ideas, our research, and our solutions comprise an ambitious plan to enhance healthcare, science, technology, education, business, the arts, and global partnerships.