Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is taking a major step forward in strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity talent pipeline. The university’s College of Technology has secured more than $3 million in new federal grant funding to expand cybersecurity education, create hands-on learning opportunities, and support workforce development across Northwest Indiana and beyond.

Purdue Northwest earns $3M grants to expand cybersecurity workforce

Major federal investment in cybersecurity education

The new funding comes from two competitive federal grants aimed at addressing critical workforce shortages in cybersecurity and related technology fields. These grants will enable PNW to:

Develop and enhance cybersecurity-focused academic programs
Provide immersive, real-world training for students and professionals
Recruit and support underrepresented and nontraditional learners
Build stronger regional partnerships with industry, K-12 schools, and government

At a time when cyberattacks are escalating and organizations across all sectors struggle to hire qualified security professionals, this investment positions PNW as a key regional hub for cybersecurity education and innovation.

Addressing a national cybersecurity talent shortage

Across the United States, there are hundreds of thousands of unfilled cybersecurity positions. According to widely cited industry data, the cybersecurity workforce gap has persisted for years as demand outpaces the number of trained professionals entering the field. Organizations in government, healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and critical infrastructure are all competing for the same limited pool of skilled workers.

Universities like PNW are essential to closing this gap. By expanding capacity, updating curricula to reflect current threats, and offering applied learning experiences, PNW can help supply the region—and the country—with professionals who can protect systems, data, and infrastructure.

How the grants will support students and communities

The more than $3 million in funding will be used across multiple initiatives designed to support both current students and future learners who may not yet see themselves in technology careers.

Planned efforts include:

Curriculum enhancements: Updating and expanding coursework in cybersecurity, digital forensics, network defense, and secure software development to align with industry standards and emerging threats.
New learning pathways: Developing stackable certificates and degree pathways so that students can move from short-term training into associate, bachelor’s, or graduate-level programs.
Hands-on labs and simulations: Investing in virtual and physical lab environments where students can practice defending systems, responding to simulated incidents, and analyzing vulnerabilities in realistic scenarios.
Support for diverse learners: Creating outreach and support programs for first-generation students, working adults, veterans, and underrepresented groups who are interested in transitioning into cybersecurity and IT fields.
Partnerships with local employers: Strengthening collaborations with regional businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits to offer internships, apprenticeships, and job-placement pipelines.

These initiatives are designed not only to help students succeed academically, but also to ensure they are job-ready on day one when they enter the cybersecurity workforce.

Strengthening Northwest Indiana’s technology ecosystem

PNW’s College of Technology already plays a central role in workforce development for Northwest Indiana, particularly in areas such as engineering technology, computer information technology, and applied research. The new grants will deepen that impact by tying cybersecurity education directly to regional economic development.

Local industries—including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and energy—are increasingly digital and interconnected. As more systems move to the cloud and rely on data-driven decision-making, the risk of cyber threats grows. A stronger local cybersecurity workforce helps protect these employers, their customers, and the broader community.

By training students on the latest tools and best practices, PNW helps ensure that regional employers will not have to look far to find qualified cybersecurity talent. This creates a virtuous cycle in which:

Students gain access to high-wage, high-demand careers
Employers benefit from a reliable local talent pipeline
The region becomes more attractive to technology-driven investments

Aligning with national cybersecurity priorities

The federal support for PNW’s initiatives aligns with broader national strategies focused on strengthening cybersecurity and critical infrastructure. In recent years, federal agencies have emphasized the need to:

Promote cybersecurity literacy across all levels of education
Support regional centers of excellence that can scale training and research
Encourage public–private partnerships to address workforce gaps

By expanding its cybersecurity programs, PNW contributes directly to these goals. The university’s applied, hands-on approach is particularly well-suited to preparing students for roles in security operations centers, incident response teams, compliance and risk management, and secure system design.

Building a more inclusive cybersecurity pipeline

Another critical dimension of PNW’s work is broadening participation in cybersecurity careers. Nationally, the cybersecurity field has historically lacked diversity, even as demand has surged. By targeting outreach to underrepresented groups and providing structured academic and financial support, PNW’s College of Technology aims to open doors for more students who might otherwise be overlooked.

These efforts may include:

Partnerships with local high schools and community organizations
Bridge programs and summer camps to introduce younger students to cybersecurity concepts
Mentorship, advising, and tutoring to help new learners persist in technical programs

Such initiatives not only benefit individual students, but also enrich the field with a wider range of perspectives—a key advantage in anticipating and countering complex cyber threats.

Looking ahead: Long-term impact for students and employers

The more than $3 million in federal grants is not just a short-term boost; it represents a long-term investment in regional and national security. As PNW ramps up new programs, enhances labs, and deepens partnerships, students will gain access to cutting-edge training that can translate directly into meaningful, well-paying careers.

For employers, the impact will be felt in the form of:

A steady pipeline of qualified cybersecurity professionals
Opportunities to collaborate on curriculum design and experiential learning
Access to faculty expertise and applied research in emerging security challenges

By aligning educational programs with real-world needs, Purdue University Northwest is helping ensure that cybersecurity is not just an abstract concept, but a practical, everyday capability embedded in the region’s workforce.

In an era where digital threats are constant and evolving, PNW’s expanded role in cybersecurity education is both timely and essential—fortifying the local economy, supporting national security priorities, and opening new pathways for students to thrive in a rapidly growing field.