WSSU receives $50K Cisco grant that clears path to graduation and expands AI workforce training
Global technology leader Cisco is continuing its commitment to Winston-Salem State University with a $50,000 grant from its Community Enablement Team that will help remove financial barriers for graduating seniors and invest in AI training for faculty and staff.
Of the total grant amount, Cisco has donated $30,000 to fund WSSU’s Bridging the Gap program, which will provide funding to clear balances for graduating seniors, and $20,000 toward faculty and student AI training.
The AI training will help faculty and IT staff strengthen their skills using Cisco tools, artificial intelligence and network security. This will be accomplished through workshops, hands-on training and IT retreats. The goal is to build in-house knowledge so faculty and staff can better guide and prepare students for real-world technology careers.
WSSU IT staff will also take part in a cybersecurity internship that focuses on protecting digital systems and supporting a student-run security operations center. This will create a live cybersecurity environment, where students and staff learn by monitoring systems in real time, gaining workforce-ready skills and helping safeguard the university.
The university will release additional details about the Bridging the Gap program, including eligibility and timelines, in the coming weeks.
“Cisco’s $50,000 investment directly advances student success and innovation at Winston-Salem State University,” said Kevan Turman, vice chancellor of University Advancement. “By supporting both our Bridging the Gap program and faculty and student AI training, this gift removes barriers while preparing our campus to lead in an increasingly technology-driven future.”
“This investment from Cisco is both timely and transformative for Winston-Salem State University. By supporting our Bridging the Gap program, Cisco is helping remove financial obstacles that can delay graduation and ensuring our seniors cross the finish line,” said William Gibson, director of corporate/foundation engagement at WSSU. “At the same time, the investment in faculty and student AI training strengthens our commitment to preparing a future-ready workforce. Partnerships like this clear pathways to graduation while expanding access to the skills that will define tomorrow’s economy.”
About Cisco: Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that securely connects everything to make anything possible. Our purpose is to power an inclusive future for all by helping our customers reimagine their applications, power hybrid work, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals. Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco.
