Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, second from left, presents a check for $10 million to officials with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville. The funds will be used to expand the center and create U.S. Cyber Camp.

A $10 million grant announced Tuesday by Gov. Kay Ivey will enable the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville to expand its footprint to make room for U.S. Cyber Camp.

Flanked by local and state leaders and U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, R-5th, Ivey said the grant allows the center to seek matching funds and support for additional growth, including science exhibit space.

Development of U.S. Cyber Camp is currently underway with the collaboration of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Cyber Huntsville, a cybersecurity industry group chartered by Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle.

The inaugural U.S. Cyber Camp was held in July and was attended by 32 high school students from across the state. Additional programs are being planned this year to further develop the Cyber Camp curricula for students across the state.

The camp will target awareness of careers and degrees in cybersecurity, and — as an extension of the Space Camp model — build leadership and team-building skills. Another goal is to increase students’ confidence and performance in math and science.

“Expanding Cyber Camp in Alabama’s No. 1 tourist attraction, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, was a logical investment for the state,” Ivey said. “More students will have the opportunity to train in cybersecurity-related fields of study and contribute to the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals in Alabama and across the country.”

Dr. Deborah Barnhart, CEO and executive director of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, said the goal of Space Camp was to inspire children to become the next generation of explorers. She added Cyber Camp would represent a first step in defending freedom to explore, protecting the homeland and ensuring privacy.

“We deeply appreciate Gov. Ivey’s wisdom in investing in Alabama’s future and its workforce and are energized by her confidence to invest in that future with us,” Barnhart said.