ISC2’s Center for Cyber Safety and Education Opens Cybersecurity Scholarship Applications for 2024

Financial assistance for students pursuing cybersecurity careers helps fill global workforce gap and expands pool of diverse professionals entering the workforce

Alexandria, Va., January 26, 2024– The Center for Cyber Safety and Education , the charitable arm of ISC2 – the world’s leading nonprofit member organization for cybersecurity professionals – announced it is now accepting applications for its 2024 cybersecurity scholarships. This year, the scholarships will provide financial funding of $115,000 to 54 undergraduate and graduate students and several scholarships for women, including ISC2 Women’s Scholarship , KnowBe4 Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship and the Samantha Jennings-Jones Memorial Scholarship .

The scholarships were created to provide financial assistance to aspiring cybersecurity professionals from diverse backgrounds from around the world. Research shows that 69% of cybersecurity teams acknowledge that an inclusive environment is essential for success, and 65% feel it’s important that their security team is diverse; however, the cybersecurity workforce does not yet represent that.

Applicants must be pursuing, or plan to pursue, a degree with a focus on cybersecurity or a similar field in the fall of 2024, with at least a 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale. The Center for Cyber Safety and Education evaluates applicants based on academic excellence, passion for cybersecurity and financial need.

“Last year, the Center awarded 71 scholarships to offset the financial burden for students pursuing careers in cybersecurity, and we are proud to do it again,” said Holly Schneider Brown, Center Senior Director. “In 2023, the Center had a 73% increase in overall scholarship applications, which is indicative of the growing financial need of students, as well as increased interest in cybersecurity as an academic discipline. Even more exciting is that 98% of those who received Center scholarships last year were from underrepresented groups in cyber, demonstrating progress in diversifying the future talent pipeline.”

In addition to the financial award for school, recipients can pursue the Certified in Cybersecurity certification exam for free through the ISC2 One Million Certified in Cybersecurity program , which will help launch their new careers. Becoming an ISC2 member provides recipients an opportunity to connect with cybersecurity professionals, participate in educational sessions such as webinars and events, and receive information about internships and career opportunities.

New this year is the Samantha Jennings-Jones Memorial Scholarship, which financially assists women seeking to start or advance their careers in cybersecurity. More than 150 family and friends raised funds to honor the memory of Jennings-Jones, a dedicated public servant and key member of the team that drafted the National Cybersecurity Strategy.

“Receiving the ISC2 Undergraduate in Cybersecurity Scholarship is an esteemed honor and a valuable opportunity for me,” said Rachel Pao, 2023 scholarship recipient. “This scholarship demonstrates recognition of my commitment to cybersecurity, provides financial support for my studies, connects me to a network of professionals and resources, allows me to attain highly valuable cyber certifications and enhances my growth in the field. I am so grateful to have this scholarship and look forward to being a part of the ISC2 family.”

The deadline to submit a scholarship application is February 29, 2024. To complete an application and learn more about the scholarship opportunities, please visit https://www.iamcybersafe.org/s/scholarships.

To learn more about the CCSP certification, please visit: https://www.isc2.org/Certifications/CCSP

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About ISC2

ISC2 is the world’s leading member organization for cybersecurity professionals, driven by our vision of a safe and secure cyber world. Our more than 600,000 members, candidates and associates around the globe are a force for good, safeguarding the way we live. Our award-winning certifications – including cybersecurity’s premier certification, the CISSP® – enable professionals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities at every stage of their careers. ISC2 strengthens the influence, diversity and vitality of the cybersecurity profession through advocacy, expertise and workforce empowerment that accelerates cyber safety and security in an interconnected world. Our charitable foundation, The Center for Cyber Safety and Education, helps create more access to cyber careers and educate those most vulnerable. Learn more and get involved at ISC2.org. Connect with us on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Amanda Steinman
Senior PR Manager
ISC2
asteinman@isc2.org