Have you ever wondered how the Center for Cyber Safety & Education creates opportunities for students looking to build a future in cybersecurity? William Mar’s story is an incredible example of what your support can make possible.
Mar is a rising sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin, where he is studying computer engineering with a concentration on data science and information processing. He hopes to build a career focused on the growing intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
His interest in cybersecurity is rooted in his family. His parents, first-generation immigrants from Thailand and Vietnam, and their experiences shaped his desire to give back to his community.
“I think that really led me with a sense of responsibility to give back to my country.”
Mar discovered the Center through Scholarship America and received the Nightwing Minority Academic Scholarship in 2025.
For Mar, the scholarship not only provided financial support, but also gave him the ability to focus on school and explore what he wants to pursue in his future career.
“With the scholarship, I was just given the space to grow.”
Since receiving the scholarship, Mar has continued to work toward opportunities in technology, cybersecurity, and leadership. He recently completed a software development engineering internship at Amazon, which gave him a chance to further explore his interests in software development.
“It has really opened my eyes to the potential that I have within me.”
At UT Austin, Mar also serves as an undergraduate board advisor for electrical and computer engineering. He is also president of the ECE Undergraduate Board with more than 50 members, where he helps lead workshops focused on using AI and technology to develop solutions to everyday problems.
For Mar, the support he received also changed the way he sees the role of donors.
“Your support means so much more than just monetary support.”
He said receiving the scholarship was a reminder that someone believed in his potential and gave him the confidence to believe in it himself. Now, Mar sees that support as an investment in what students can go on to accomplish. “All you're doing is allowing them to unlock that potential.”
As the Center celebrates 15 years, Mar’s story shows how investing in students can give them the space to explore, grow and begin building the future of cybersecurity.
“Your donation is not only supporting the kids who receive the scholarship, but it is an investment in a better future.”
Support the Next 15
The numbers show reach. The stories show transformation.
For 15 years, the Center for Cyber Safety & Education has helped students pursue education, build skills, and take their next steps toward careers in cybersecurity.
Help us create the next chapter of impact.
Donate today and support the next 15 years.
