What is the amount of the grant awarded to Rose State College?

The grant from the National Science Foundation is $500,000.

When was the grant announced?

The funding was announced on October 26, 2025.

What will the grant support at Rose State College?

The funding will support new labs, faculty training, and scholarships for 50 students.

What is the goal of this initiative?

The initiative aims to enhance the cybersecurity program to address Oklahoma's tech workforce shortage.

Which businesses have partnered with the college?

Local businesses, including Devon Energy, have partnered to offer internships.

What is the current trend in enrollment for cybersecurity courses?

Enrollment in related courses is up 30% this year.

What broader benefits are expected?

The program expansion promises economic benefits for Oklahoma City by bridging education and industry needs.

October 26, 2025

Rose State College Secures Major NSF Grant for Cybersecurity Program

Oklahoma City, October 26, 2025

Rose State College in Oklahoma City has received a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to enhance its cybersecurity program. This funding will support new labs, faculty training, and provide scholarships for students. With the rising demand for tech professionals, this initiative aims to address Oklahoma’s workforce shortage by equipping graduates with essential skills in cybersecurity. Collaborations with local businesses, like Devon Energy, will offer practical training opportunities for students, further aligning education with industry needs.

Oklahoma City: Rose State College Receives $500,000 NSF Grant for Cybersecurity Program Expansion

Rose State College in Oklahoma City has secured a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to strengthen its cybersecurity program. The funding, announced on October 26, 2025, aims to equip more students with essential skills amid growing demand for tech professionals in the region.

The grant will finance the creation of new specialized labs, comprehensive training for faculty members, and scholarships for 50 students pursuing cybersecurity studies. These enhancements are designed to modernize the program’s infrastructure and make education more accessible to aspiring professionals. By investing in hands-on facilities and financial support, the college seeks to increase its capacity to train individuals for roles that protect digital systems from evolving threats.

The initiative directly tackles Oklahoma’s tech workforce shortage, a pressing issue as businesses face increasing challenges from cyberattacks. The program’s expansion will better prepare graduates for high-demand jobs in cybersecurity, where skilled workers are needed to safeguard data and networks. Local leaders view this development as a vital step toward building a more secure and competitive economy in the state.

Partnerships and Practical Training Opportunities

Supporting the grant’s goals, several local businesses have entered into partnerships with Rose State College, including Devon Energy. These collaborations will provide internships, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Such opportunities ensure that participants gain practical experience, making them more employable upon graduation. The partnerships also foster stronger ties between educational institutions and industry, helping to align curriculum with employer needs.

Context of Rising Cyber Threats and Enrollment Trends

This expansion occurs against a backdrop of heightened cyber threats that affect businesses, governments, and individuals nationwide. In Oklahoma, the demand for cybersecurity experts continues to outpace supply, prompting educational institutions to scale up their offerings. Rose State College has already seen a 30% increase in enrollment for cybersecurity-related courses this year, signaling strong student interest in the field. The new funding will help accommodate this growth and sustain momentum in preparing the next generation of specialists.

Community stakeholders have expressed support for the college’s efforts to connect education with industry requirements. They anticipate that the enhanced program will yield long-term economic advantages for Oklahoma City, including job creation and improved technological resilience. By addressing gaps in the workforce, the initiative contributes to broader efforts to bolster the state’s position in the tech sector.

Impact on Students and Regional Economy

For students, the scholarships and updated labs represent significant barriers removed to entry in a competitive field. Faculty training will ensure instructors stay current with the latest cybersecurity practices, delivering high-quality education. As enrollment rises, the program is poised to produce more graduates ready to tackle roles in threat detection, risk management, and digital defense.

Regionally, the focus on cybersecurity education aligns with Oklahoma’s push to diversify its economy beyond traditional industries. With internships from partners like Devon Energy, students will contribute to local innovation while gaining credentials valued by employers. This cycle of education and practical application is expected to drive growth in tech-related employment opportunities throughout Oklahoma City and surrounding areas.

The National Science Foundation’s investment underscores the importance of community colleges in addressing national priorities like cybersecurity. Rose State College’s project is one example of how targeted funding can amplify educational impact, benefiting both individuals and the community at large.

FAQ

What is the amount of the grant awarded to Rose State College?: The grant from the National Science Foundation is $500,000.
When was the grant announced?: The funding was announced on October 26, 2025.
What will the grant support at Rose State College?: The funding will support new labs, faculty training, and scholarships for 50 students.
What is the goal of this initiative?: The initiative aims to enhance the cybersecurity program to address Oklahoma’s tech workforce shortage.
How will the program prepare students?: It will prepare graduates for high-demand jobs in cybersecurity.
Which businesses have partnered with the college?: Local businesses, including Devon Energy, have partnered to offer internships.
What is the current trend in enrollment for cybersecurity courses?: Enrollment in related courses is up 30% this year.
What broader benefits are expected?: The program expansion promises economic benefits for Oklahoma City by bridging education and industry needs.

Key Features of the Rose State College Cybersecurity Program Expansion

Feature	Description
Grant Amount	$500,000 from the National Science Foundation
Announcement Date	October 26, 2025
New Infrastructure	Specialized labs for hands-on training
Faculty Support	Training programs to update skills in cybersecurity
Student Scholarships	Financial aid for 50 students
Partnerships	Internships with local businesses, including Devon Energy
Enrollment Growth	30% increase in cybersecurity course enrollment this year
Regional Impact	Addresses Oklahoma’s tech workforce shortage and economic benefits for Oklahoma City