University of Texas at Austin

The Strauss Center at the University of Texas at Austin pioneers innovative approaches to interdisciplinary cybersecurity training, aiming to improve mutual understanding across the fields of computer science, law, engineering, policy, business, and more. With direct encouragement and involvement from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the University of Texas at Austin and the Mayor’s Office for the City of Austin are launching a first-of-its-kind partnership to provide pro bono cybersecurity services to local small businesses and nonprofits, with the city’s “311” dial-in system used to facilitate intake, and with university students obtaining unique, career-launching practical educational experiences while providing said services under professional supervision. This grant will support the pilot project. Once operational and successful, DHS CISA will support efforts to propagate the university-city partnership model across the country. (Strategy: Talent Pipeline)

The Center for Media Engagement, housed in the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin, researches, develops, and tests innovations in how newsrooms can better present news in a rapidly changing digital age. The center works to help news organizations make decisions based on business and democratic considerations that are informed by social-scientific research. The center aims to help news audiences gain information, appreciate diverse views, and become more engaged in the political process. This grant will support new research on how news can cut across political divides, how to signal misinformation, and how to increase understanding across news sources and newsrooms.

This grant is to establish and fund the Diversity Fellowship to The University of Texas School of Law's Nonprofit Organizations Institute. The fellowship encourages diversity and participation in the tax-exempt organizations practice of law by introducing law students to the practice area, providing opportunities for mentorship, and creating a network of law students interested in pursuing the practice. The fellowship allows up to 10 recipients per year to attend the annual Nonprofit Organizations Institute, a professional education conference held each January in Austin and to be matched with a practitioner mentor for the duration of the program.