Winston-Salem State Wins AI Cybersecurity Grant
The university is launching an AI-focused curriculum to protect healthcare and education data systems.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Cybersecurity
Live Poll
Do you feel confident in your ability to identify and protect against artificial intelligence security risks?
Winston-Salem State University has received a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to create a new cybersecurity curriculum. This program aims to train students in healthcare management and education to identify AI system vulnerabilities and manipulation.
Why it matters
The initiative addresses the growing risk of large-scale data breaches, such as the 2024 Power School cyberattack that impacted 60 million students nationwide. By training future professionals in these fields, the university seeks to mitigate the impact of similar system vulnerabilities.
The program will introduce two pilot modules in existing courses before expanding. The grant funding is secured to support the development and implementation process through at least August 2029.
The players
Winston-Salem State University
This public historically Black university is the institution where the AI cybersecurity curriculum is being developed.
National Science Foundation
This independent federal agency supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering.
Novant Health
This not-for-profit integrated health system provides healthcare services across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Atrium Health
This health system provides patient care and research across the southeastern United States.
Cisco
This multinational digital communications technology conglomerate provides hardware, software, and networking services.
The details
Developed in partnership with Novant Health, Atrium Health, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, and Cisco, the curriculum focuses on both technical safeguards and the legal aspects of AI usage. The project will incorporate feedback from students and staff to refine its modules, specifically targeting the security needs of healthcare and education sectors.
Timeline
2024: Power School cyberattack occurred.
Spring 2027: Pilot modules launch in existing courses.
Fall 2027: Full curriculum launch.
August 2029: End of grant funding period.
The Tech Race
This curriculum development reflects a wider industry pivot toward proactive AI governance and defensive education in response to the 2024 Power School cyberattack. It positions the university as a training hub in the ongoing battle against AI-enabled system manipulation.
The curriculum will provide future workers with the skills necessary to protect sensitive personal and medical records from AI-driven threats. This focus on practical cybersecurity training aims to strengthen the digital resilience of local school districts and healthcare systems.
The takeaway
Building a curriculum around AI safeguards helps protect institutions from large-scale data breaches that compromise individual privacy. Students and educators should prioritize understanding how to identify and report AI system manipulation in their professional workflows.
What happens next
Pilot modules for the curriculum are scheduled to launch in existing courses during the spring of 2027, followed by a full curriculum launch in the fall of 2027.
Further reading
For more information on local digital defense initiatives, visit the Winston-Salem Cybersecurity section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WXII.
Live Poll
Do you feel confident in your ability to identify and protect against artificial intelligence security risks?
