UA Little Rock Launches Statewide Cybersecurity Clinic Network with $1 Million Google.org Funding
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has received $1 million in funding from Google.org, the company’s philanthropy, to establish a statewide Cybersecurity Clinic Network, expanding hands-on learning opportunities for students while delivering critical cybersecurity support to organizations across Arkansas.
The new initiative builds on the university’s leadership in the Cyber Learning Network, a collaborative effort that brings together colleges and universities across the state to strengthen cybersecurity education, training, and workforce development.
“This is an important step forward for our students, our partners, and communities across Arkansas,” said UA Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale. “At UA Little Rock, we are committed not only to preparing students for the future, but to applying what we do in ways that directly strengthen our communities. This initiative does both.”
The Cybersecurity Clinic Network will connect students, faculty, and partner institutions to provide real-world cybersecurity services to underserved organizations, including small utilities, municipalities, rural healthcare providers, K–12 schools, nonprofits, and small businesses.
Support from Google.org makes it possible to scale this work statewide, expanding access to hands-on learning while strengthening cybersecurity capacity for organizations across Arkansas. In addition, prior funding from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), secured through Senator John Boozman’s office, supported the development of key technologies that enable the clinic’s cybersecurity assessment and remediation services.
“Navigating the recent increase in disruptive cyber attacks on essential services—from local power grids to hospitals — will rely on a strong cyber workforce capable of defending against everyday threats,” said Maab Ibrahim, Head of Knowledge, Skills, and Learning for the Americas, Google.org. “Cyber clinics are a crucial part of this effort: it gives students the hands-on experience they need to start careers, while at the same time providing vital, no-cost security services to local organizations that need them most. It’s a smart investment in both our workforce and the critical infrastructure that communities depend on.”
Students participating in the clinics will work under faculty supervision to conduct cybersecurity assessments, recommend secure systems, deploy monitoring tools, and assist with remediation planning using industry best practices.
“Our goal is to ensure students have meaningful, hands-on experiences that prepare them to succeed in critical fields like cybersecurity,” said Provost Ann Bain. “This model connects classroom learning with real-world challenges, giving students the opportunity to build practical skills while making a meaningful impact across our state.”
The program is expected to train more than 500 students and support more than 150 organizations statewide over the next six years. It will also be part of the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics, providing students with access to expanded training, collaboration, and career pathways.
Dr. Philip Huff, director of the UA Little Rock Center for Research in Cybersecurity Engineering (CORE), said the initiative reflects years of collaboration across Arkansas.
“We’ve seen the tremendous potential of connecting education directly with service,” Huff said. “This investment allows us to expand a proven model that strengthens our workforce pipeline while improving the resilience of critical infrastructure across the state.”
The Cybersecurity Clinic Network is a systemwide effort involving institutions across the University of Arkansas System, community colleges, and private partners, ensuring access and impact in communities across Arkansas.
“This effort brings together higher education institutions across the state to expand opportunity and strengthen our economy,” said UA System President Jay B. Silveria. “By building a skilled cybersecurity workforce and supporting critical infrastructure, this initiative will benefit every corner of Arkansas.”
By strengthening the state’s cybersecurity workforce pipeline while supporting critical infrastructure, UA Little Rock is leading a model that delivers real results for Arkansas communities.