In addition to academic programs, USF plans to foster strategic partnerships with government agencies, defense contractors, and Fortune 500 companies to enhance educational opportunities.

The funds from the Bellinis' donation will be allocated for scholarships, faculty hiring, and the creation of a new facility for the college.

The new college will offer integrated programs that combine AI and cybersecurity, focusing on proactive measures against emerging threats.

The Bellini College aims to produce thousands of skilled professionals by providing advanced training in AI and cybersecurity, with classes set to begin in Fall 2025.

This college will be the first in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, addressing the pressing need for a trained workforce.

USF Provost Prasant Mohapatra highlighted the college's mission to prepare students for high-demand careers in AI and cybersecurity, which are essential for the economy at all levels.

This significant contribution aims to create a center of excellence in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence in the Tampa Bay area, addressing a critical workforce shortage in these fields.

The University of South Florida (USF) has made headlines with a historic $40 million gift from Arnie and Lauren Bellini, establishing the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, the largest donation in the university's history.

USF currently offers a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity and anticipates nearly 3,000 students will enroll at the college's launch, with a goal of increasing enrollment to 5,000 within three years.

With cybercrime costing the U.S. over $12 billion annually and more than 700,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions, the establishment of this college underscores the urgent need for skilled professionals.

Arnie Bellini emphasized the urgency for cybersecurity talent amid increasing cyberattacks and AI-driven threats, reinforcing the importance of this initiative.

In a commitment to further support the college, Bellini plans to raise an additional $10 million, pledging to match donations up to $5 million to attract top faculty and students.