Palm Beach State College has received more than $1 million in federal funding to launch a new artificial intelligence and cybersecurity training center at its Lake Worth campus.The center aims to prepare students for the workforce with a hands-on approach in an industry experiencing a surge in demand.In Florida, PBSC reports entry-level cybersecurity and AI-related roles typically offer starting salaries ranging from approximately $60,000 to $100,000.Your neighborhood: Local coverage from WPBF 25 NewsCurrently, 300 students are enrolled in PBSC’s AI and cybersecurity programs, reflecting growing demand among the student body, according to school officials.The center will feature labs specializing in AI for IT security and data privacy, helping students learn to combat rising security threats targeting community organizations. It will also be the first cyber range in Palm Beach County, aiding in training for surrounding municipalities.”They provide us a lot of tools and resources to learn cybersecurity, but there is a gap between cybersecurity and AI, and I feel like the center is going to help fill that gap for us,” a Palm Beach State student said. U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, who helped secure the funding for the program, said it will benefit not only students but also the surrounding community.”Here’s the thing: AI and cybersecurity are no longer optional,” Frankel said. “It’s going to help our local community by growing the talent we need right here in Palm Beach County.”Graduates of the program are prepared for a wide range of entry-level to mid-level positions within the AI and cybersecurity industry.Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.The school is still determining the exact location for the center on campus. Officials hope to complete the center by fall 2027, but the programs are already operational.

LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. —

Palm Beach State College has received more than $1 million in federal funding to launch a new artificial intelligence and cybersecurity training center at its Lake Worth campus.

The center aims to prepare students for the workforce with a hands-on approach in an industry experiencing a surge in demand.

In Florida, PBSC reports entry-level cybersecurity and AI-related roles typically offer starting salaries ranging from approximately $60,000 to $100,000.

Your neighborhood: Local coverage from WPBF 25 News

Currently, 300 students are enrolled in PBSC’s AI and cybersecurity programs, reflecting growing demand among the student body, according to school officials.

The center will feature labs specializing in AI for IT security and data privacy, helping students learn to combat rising security threats targeting community organizations. It will also be the first cyber range in Palm Beach County, aiding in training for surrounding municipalities.

“They provide us a lot of tools and resources to learn cybersecurity, but there is a gap between cybersecurity and AI, and I feel like the center is going to help fill that gap for us,” a Palm Beach State student said.

U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, who helped secure the funding for the program, said it will benefit not only students but also the surrounding community.

“Here’s the thing: AI and cybersecurity are no longer optional,” Frankel said. “It’s going to help our local community by growing the talent we need right here in Palm Beach County.”

Graduates of the program are prepared for a wide range of entry-level to mid-level positions within the AI and cybersecurity industry.

Get the latest news updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.

The school is still determining the exact location for the center on campus. Officials hope to complete the center by fall 2027, but the programs are already operational.