cyber operational skills at institutions of higher learning, selected by the Secretary under subsection (b), for current and future members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense. (b) Selection The Secretary shall select institutions of higher learning to receive support under subsection (a) from among institutions of higher learning that meet the following eligibility criteria: (1) The institution offers a program from beginning through advanced skill levels to provide future military and civilian leaders of the Armed Forces with operational cyber expertise. (2) The institution includes instruction and practical experiences that lead to recognized certifications and degrees in the cyber field. (3) The institution has and maintains an educational partnership with an active component of the Armed Forces or a Department component designed to facilitate the development of critical cyber skills for students who may pursue a military career. (4) The institution is located in close proximity to a military installation with a cyber mission defined by the Department or the Armed Forces. (c) Support Under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide, at a minimum, to each institution of higher learning selected by the Secretary under subsection (b) the following support for civilian and military leaders of the Department transitioning into cyber fields at the Department: (1) Expansion of cyber educational programs focused on enhancing such transition. (2) Hands-on cyber opportunities, including laboratories and security operations centers. (3) Direct financial assistance to civilian and military students at the Department to increase access to courses and hands-on opportunities under paragraphs (1) and (2). (d) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2024. 1727. Improvements relating to cyber protection support for Department of Defense personnel in positions highly vulnerable to cyber attack Section 1645