In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity is one of the most critical and fastest-growing fields across every industry. Skilled cybersecurity professionals are in high demand. Yet for many students, the cost of education remains a significant barrier to entering the field. The Center for Cyber Safety and Education, the charitable arm of ISC2, helps remove financial barriers for students pursuing a degree in cybersecurity.
The Center for Cyber Safety and Education, the charitable arm of ISC2, makes a difference in communities worldwide by educating the public on cyber safety, raising awareness of cyber career options, providing scholarships and support to underserved communities for those pursuing a career in cybersecurity and assisting small organizations to protect themselves from cyber risk.
To date, the Center has awarded more than 1,000 scholarships to students and emerging professionals empowering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. The Center offers several academic and career‑focused scholarship programs which exist to reduce barriers to cybersecurity education and expand access globally. The Center for Cyber Safety and Education offers global academic scholarships to students who are pursuing cybersecurity-focused degrees at the associate, undergraduate, or graduate, or postgraduate level.
Together, these programs support:
- Associates, undergraduate and graduate students
- Women entering cybersecurity
- Career changers and early professionals
- Future leaders driving innovation and resilience
As part of Women in Cyber Month our Global 50x50 Initiative, ISC2 and The Center’s effort to highlight women in the cybersecurity profession and their success, we’d like to showcase the Samantha Jennings-Jones Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is named for a dedicated public servant, a deep expert within her domain and a friend to many in the cybersecurity community. Jennings‑Jones played a key role in drafting the National Cybersecurity Strategy and helping lead its implementation before she tragically passed away at a young age.
The Samantha Jennings‑Jones Memorial Scholarship is a $5,000 award given annually to support a woman who is seeking to start or advance a career in cybersecurity. This scholarship was established by her colleagues, friends and family so that her passion for public service and cybersecurity leadership could live on through others. They encourage others to support it so the next generation may continue her mission. Donate now.
To help promote an inclusive cybersecurity profession and grow the community, the Center has awarded 436 scholarships to women since 2011 and, in 2025 alone, provided 59 scholarships to women (40 career development and 23 academic scholarships). This commitment to inclusion of women in cybersecurity is supported by the Center’s Global 50x50 initiative which is a grassroots movement to elevate women’s voices, innovation and leadership in cybersecurity and highlight the actions needed to create a more resilient and sustainable cyber workforce for all. Led by the Center, this initiative is shaping a future where women make up 50% of the cyber workforce by 2050 to secure a safer and more secure cyber world for the future. Financially support the Global 50x50 initiative now.
Why Academic Scholarships Matter in Cybersecurity
As cyber threats grow in scale and sophistication, organizations need well-educated professionals who bring fresh perspectives and innovative thinking.
Academic scholarships play a vital role by:
- Reducing financial strain on students
- Expanding access to cybersecurity education worldwide
- Encouraging growth and inclusion within the profession
- Strengthening the global cybersecurity workforce
Who Can Apply?
Academic scholarship applications are open to:
- Students pursuing or planning to pursue a cybersecurity-focused degree
- Associates, undergraduate, or graduate students
- Applicants from any country
- Students enrolled full-time or part-time
- Both on-campus and online programs are eligible
Scholarship Impact: More than Financial Support
Financial support helps to break down barriers to entry for students and emerging professionals. In addition, scholarship recipients receive an introduction to both the Center’s volunteer community and the ISC2 membership. They can also pursue the Certified in Cybersecurity certification exam for free through the ISC2 One Million Certified in Cybersecurity program, which will help launch their new career. Becoming a member of ISC2 provides the scholarship recipients an opportunity to connect with other cybersecurity professionals, participate in educational sessions such as webinars and events, and receive information about internships and career opportunities within the community.
How to Apply
Academic scholarship applications are open until March 15, 2026. Apply at https://www.iamcybersafe.org/s/academic-scholarships
Cybersecurity Professionals and Donors Can Create a Lasting Impact
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and education is the foundation of progress. Through its academic scholarship programs, the Center for Cyber Safety and Education is not only supporting individual students; it is strengthening the future of the profession as a whole and empowering the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.
As a cybersecurity professional, join the mission and encourage your organization to consider supporting the Center as they help open doors for future cybersecurity leaders. Donate now to support the Center’s scholarship program.
