Application for VETs-HASTE is open now! Apply today by clicking here and selecting “HASTE” in the “Interests” selection! Watch this webinar for more information!
Congratulations to the amazing summer 2025 VETs-HASTE Cohort!
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VETs-HASTE program is dedicated to empowering veterans with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in hardware security careers. Through an innovative blend of hands-on training, remote learning, and industry engagement, VETs-HASTE provides a pathway for veterans to transition into this cutting-edge field.
This page is divided into the following sections.
Program Overview
The design of modern semiconductor devices involves a complex and widespread supply chain comprising multiple vendors, intellectual property providers, platform integrators, foundries, testing facilities, and other entities. In this intricate process, there is a clear potential for a malicious actor to introduce security vulnerabilities that undermine the entire system’s integrity. The presence of compromised hardware components in commercial or military cyberinfrastructure can lead to severe and widespread implications for security and safety. Thus, ensuring hardware security is vital for establishing a strong semiconductor design ecosystem. However, there is a significant shortage of adequately trained hardware security workforce despite the critical need in our government and private sectors. This project focuses on developing a sustainable and scalable experiential learning program for underserved participants in STEM to gain new skills and pathways into hardware security careers.
This project utilizes innovative learning science strategies to actively involve a diverse group of veterans, a significant underserved population, in experiential hardware security training. Veterans possess unique qualities and skills, including hands-on experience, resilience, attention to detail, and diverse backgrounds, making them an untapped resource for the advanced technology field, particularly in hardware security. The project prioritizes the recruitment and support of veteran participants, who will undergo an industry-driven course by leveraging university resources and then engage in a series of authentic learning activities facilitated by industry partners, such as in-situ modeling, expert mentoring, and internships. In addition, the project provides ample opportunities for career exploration and self-discovery to enhance participants’ conceptual knowledge and cultivate their interests in hardware security careers. Finally, independent formative and summative evaluations will be conducted to continuously improve the program design. Through these endeavors, this project will create a diverse and skilled pipeline of workers for the domestic semiconductor industry, thereby contributing to economic and national security goals. This project aligns with the NSF ExLENT Program, funded by the NSF TIP and EDU Directorates, as it seeks to support experiential learning opportunities for individuals from diverse professional and educational backgrounds to increase their interest in, and their access to, career pathways in emerging technology fields.
Program Structure
On-Campus Training (1 Week)
The program begins with an intensive, in-person session where veterans learn the foundational concepts of hardware security. This hands-on experience includes working with real hardware and tools, setting the stage for the journey ahead.
Remote Scaffolding (8 Weeks)
Participants engage in remote exercises with continuous guidance via Zoom. This phase, called “scaffolding,” features practical assignments, industry insights, and biweekly webinars led by hardware security professionals.
Industry Internship (8 Weeks)
To bridge the gap between learning and application, participants complete an internship with industry partners, gaining valuable real-world experience in hardware security.
Our Partners
VETs-HASTE is proud to partner with Veterans Florida, a nonprofit organization that supports veterans in their career transitions. The program is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Affiliated Faculty
The research is supervised by faculty members in the University of Florida, affiliated to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Warren B. Nelms Institute for Connected World and School of Teaching and Learning.
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How to Join
If you are a veteran looking to build a career in hardware security, we invite you to apply and be part of this unique program. Applications for the next cohort is open now. Click following link and select “HASTE” in the “interests” section to apply!
Application Portal: https://vetsfl-application.zapier.app/