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Cybersecurity Scholarships – This information is intended to assist students and those who want to learn more about cybersecurity scholarships. The article provides details on the several types of scholarships available to cybersecurity students, where to hunt for them, and what qualifications are required to be eligible for them.
While degrees are advantageous for those seeking to enter the cybersecurity sector, college and institutions can be costly, making them out of reach for some individuals. Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships available to help fill the gap. Colleges, non-profit groups, and even well-known corporations all provide scholarships. A scholarship is money that you can use toward your education but don’t have to pay back, unlike a loan.
Beginning your Scholarship Search
It’s worth noting that not all scholarships are made equal. Some scholarships have very restrictive conditions for eligibility. Some scholarships include provisions requiring scholarship winners to work for the organisation that provided them with the grant after graduation or during their summer vacations. Aside from that, the monetary awards awarded out differ greatly. Some scholarships will pay all of your expenses, including tuition, fees, and books, while others will only pay a specific sum, such as $1,000.
Scholarship applications frequently necessitate considerable consideration. Many of them will necessitate lengthy written proposals that will take a lot of time to complete. As a result, students should conduct research to ensure that they are both eligible for and a suitable fit for the scholarship they are applying for.
A better GPA will almost surely increase a student’s chances of getting a scholarship that they apply for.
Before applying for scholarships, you should prepare a great cover letter and résumé. Students should include academic achievements, awards, and extracurricular activities on their resumes because they may not have much work experience.
It’s also worth mentioning that each state frequently provides its own scholarships to students studying there.
Undergraduate scholarships
Scholarships are awarded based on a wide range of criteria. Many scholarships are tailored to minorities based on aspects such as ethnicity, gender, and other comparable characteristics. Let’s take a look at some of the more generalised scholarships open to everyone before we go into these types of scholarships. Let’s start by looking at undergraduate scholarships.
Central Intelligence Agency – Undergraduate Scholarship Program
The CIA undergraduate scholarship programme may be a suitable fit for those interested in pursuing a government career after college. Those who receive a CIA scholarship must be full-time students at an authorised college or university. These students work at the CIA over the summers. Scholarship winners must work at the CIA or for a term equivalent to 1.5 times the length of the scholarship for a period of time after graduation.
Scholarship recipients must repay the US government for the tuition they received if they do not stay for the required duration. During summer work tours, all positions necessitate relocation to the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Visit the CIA’s website to learn more about the scholarship: https://www.cia.gov/careers/
- Assistance with tuition Tuition, required fees, and books can cost up to $18,000 each calendar year.
- During summer excursions, there is a daily stipend for meals and incidentals.
- Transportation costs between school and Washington, DC are reimbursed.
- Salary per year
The Stokes Educational Scholarship Program (NSA)
The NSA has its own scholarship programme, similar to the one granted by the CIA. This is another “scholarship for service,” which means that the student must promise to work for the group after graduation or else pay back the entire scholarship amount.
The Stokes Program will provide recipients with a stipend of $30,000 per year for tuition. They will intern at the NSA for three months during the summers. Students must labour at the NSA for 1.5 times the length of their scholarship after graduation, much like they did at the CIA. They are granted a yearly salary and all of the benefits that come with a full-time position at the NSA at this time. Visit their website to learn more about this NSA scholarship: https://www.federaljobs.net/blog/the-stokes-educational-scholarship-program-nsa/
(ISC)2 Scholarship – Undergraduate
Undergraduate and graduate scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 are available through the Center for Cyber Safety and Education and (ISC)2. These scholarships are open to anyone interested in studying cybersecurity, regardless of citizenship.
The scholarship’s primary criterion is a high GPA. A 3.3 GPA is required for undergraduate applicants. Visit https://www.iamcybersafe.org/s/scholarships/ for more information on the (ISC)2 scholarships.
Undergraduate applicants are eligible for up to 20 awards.
Scholarships are available in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
The reward will be forwarded to the school with instructions to apply it to tuition, fees, and books if it is given.
The Snort Scholarship
Cisco, a technological titan, is offering the Snort scholarship. Snort scholarship recipients will get $10,000 to utilise at any accredited college, university, or institution of their choosing. The only conditions for this scholarship are that applicants receive a high school diploma or give acceptable evidence that they are pursuing a degree in a relevant field by the program’s start date.
Two students will receive the Snort scholarship in 2020. The scholarship is usually offered between April and May. Here’s where you may learn more about the Snort scholarship: https://snort.org/community/scholarship
- A $10,000 prize has been granted.
- Any accredited college, university, or institution can use it.
- This grant is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
Graduate scholarships
Many jobs in the field of cybersecurity necessitate additional graduate degrees. Financial aid for graduate degrees is, however, more harder to come by than for undergraduate degrees. Some of the scholarships available for students pursuing graduate degrees are listed here.
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Scholarship
The GRFP is a good choice for graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors who are pursuing their master’s or doctorate degree. Students must attend accredited colleges in the United States to be eligible for the grant. On their website, https://nsfgrfp.org/applicants, students can learn more about the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Scholarship and apply.
A stipend of up to $34,000 per year for up to three years is available.
An extra $12,000 in school funding for tuition and fees (paid to the institution)
They have the freedom to conduct their study at any approved graduate school in the United States.
(ISC)2 Scholarship – Graduate
The Center for Cyber Safety and Educationand (ISC)2offer undergraduate and graduate scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 apiece, as described in the undergraduate portion of this book. The key distinction between undergraduate and graduate scholarships is that graduate grants have higher GPA requirements. A 3.5 GPA or above is required for graduate scholarship applications. Visit https://www.iamcybersafe.org/s/scholarships/ for more information on this scholarship.
- Graduate applicants may be eligible for up to 20 scholarships.
- Scholarships are available in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
- The reward will be forwarded to the school with instructions to apply it to tuition, fees, and books if it is given.
Scholarships for Women
Despite the fact that women make up about half of the workforce, just about 28% of STEM workers are female. Women, in particular, make up around 20% of the cybersecurity workforce. However, as more women earn bachelor’s degrees in computer science, this number is rising. Fortunately, companies are eager to invest in attracting more female talent by providing several scholarships to women interested in these fields.
KnowBe4 Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship and Internship
KnowBe4 specialises in phishing simulations and security awareness training. The KnowBe4 scholarships provide $10,000 to women interested in cybersecurity jobs to cover tuition, fees, and books. In addition, over the summer, the scholarship is combined with a three-month paid internship at KnowBe4. The KnowBe4 scholarship website has further information: https://iamcybersafe.org/s/knowbe4-womens-cyber-scholarships-
- $10,000 will be used to cover tuition, fees, and textbooks.
- Internships are paid for three months (rate of pay varies based on education level)
- The scholarship recipient is responsible for his or her own travel and accommodations during the internship.
(ISC)2 Women in Information Security Scholarship
Applicants for this grant must be female and currently pursuing a cybersecurity-related degree. This award can be used to help pay for undergraduate or graduate school. Women who are selected for this scholarship will receive a monetary award ranging from $1,000 to $6,000. Students who want to apply for this award need have a minimum GPA of 3.3. Visit https://www.iamcybersafe.org/s/womens-scholarships/ for more information on this scholarship.
- From $1,000 to $6,000
- This scholarship will be given to up to ten women.
- Both graduate and undergraduate students can benefit from this programme.
SWSIS (Scholarships for Women Studying Information Security) Program Scholarship
The SWSIS scholarship is for women who are pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a cybersecurity-related career. Applicants must be enrolled or accepted at a recognised U.S. college to be eligible for the SWSIS award. This scholarship is only available to citizens and permanent residents of the United States. SWSIS has provided scholarships to 90 women as of 2019. See https://cra.org/cra-wp/scholarships-and-awards/scholarships/swsis/#overview for more information on this scholarship.
- Up to $10,000 in prize money
- Women pursuing a cybersecurity bachelor’s or master’s degree
Women Techmakers Scholars Program (Formerly Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship Program)
The Women Techmakers Scholarship for computer science is one of three scholarships offered by Google in remembrance of Dr. Anita Borg. Students in North America are rewarded $10,000 USD for students in the United States and $5,000 CAD for students in Canada. Women who have a high school diploma or equivalent, are presently enrolled at an approved institution, and are pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree are eligible to apply for this award.
- $10,000 USD for students in the United States
- $5,000 CAD for Canadian students
- Female students pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree
VIP’s Women in Technology Scholarship
Women seeking two- or four-year degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, information technology, and other related professions can apply for one of several $2,500 scholarships offered by Visionary Integration Professionals. Applicants must apply by April 1st to be considered for the scholarship for that year. Visit https://www.trustvip.com/company/community-service-and-support/ for more information on this scholarship.
- Multiple scholarships awarded
- $2,500 each
- Women pursuing two- or four- year degrees
Scholarships for Veterans
Specialized scholarships are available for military veterans who want to return the civilian market by pursuing cybersecurity careers.
Cisco Veteran Cyber Scholarship Program
The Cisco Veteran Cyber Scholarship Program is a collaboration between Cisco and Onward to Opportunity. This scholarship is a little different from the others we’ve described in this guide since instead of providing financial aid to a college or university, it provides free Cisco training and certification. The Cisco CCNA training and certification are available to veterans who obtain this grant. Here’s where you can learn more about this scholarship.
The Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Program is offered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans who are pursuing higher out-of-state, private school, or graduate school tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill does not cover. While this award isn’t specifically for cybersecurity professionals, it can certainly be applied to a cybersecurity degree. Visit va.gov/education/about-gibill-benefits/post-9/11/yellow-ribbon-program/
AFCEA War Veterans Scholarships
This grant is exclusively available to undergraduate students. Active current military personnel and honourably discharged U.S. military veterans are eligible for a $2,500 merit-based scholarship from the War Veteran. Candidates
To be eligible for this award, you must be pursuing a profession in an appropriate STEM field at a recognised university. Visit https://www.afcea.org/site/?q=foundation/scholarships/war-veterans to learn more about this scholarship.
Google Student Veterans Award (SVA) Scholarship
Google is awarding eight $10,000 scholarships to student veterans interested in pursuing a career in computer science. This scholarship can be applied to an undergraduate or graduate degree at a four-year institution that is accredited. Applicants must be a student veteran, a student on active duty, or a veteran who has achieved an honourable discharge and is currently in good standing with his or her branch of service to be eligible for the scholarships. Scholarship recipients will also be invited to Google’s Scholars Retreat. Visit https://studentveterans.org/programs-events/scholarships/ to learn more about the Google SVA Scholarship.
Scholarships and Other Forms of Student Aid
It’s crucial to keep in mind that most scholarships won’t pay your complete tuition. In these circumstances, students must rely on alternative sources of funding. As a result, it’s critical to notify your school and financial aid counsellor when you’ve been given a scholarship so that the amount can be deducted from the financial help you’ll get.
Your overall student aid (scholarships, grants, and so on) cannot exceed the cost of your enrollment at the institution.
Where to Begin the Cybersecurity Scholarship Search
When seeking for scholarships as a high school student, it might be quite overwhelming. What do you do first? Because the internet is such a wide and open resource, it can often supply far more information than you require.
Fortunately, there are solutions to alleviate this stress. It is good for high school kids to sit down and speak with their school counsellor. They are frequently pleased to assist high school students in locating scholarship options and will have information on available local and state scholarships. If you’ve already decided which college you want to attend, talk to the financial assistance advisor at that school. They can be eligible for school-specific scholarships.
Another alternative is to contact the state grant office in your state of residence. Visit this webpage for more information on your state grant office: https://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html
There are numerous free online scholarship search tools in addition to all of these options. Let’s have a look at a few of these search possibilities:
Fastweb — Fastweb is a simple search engine for finding scholarships, internships, universities, part-time work, and other opportunities. It’s an excellent resource for kids because it allows them to look for scholarships based on their interests. Students can also create profiles on the site, which will automatically match them with scholarships that are appropriate for them. Fastweb (https://www.fastweb.com/) is a website that provides quick access to information.
Scholarships.com – Scholarships.com’s scholarship search functionality is another excellent resource for students. Students will be needed to register and create a profile. They will then be matched with scholarships that are appropriate for their needs. https://www.scholarships.com/search-for-scholarships/
BigFuture – The scholarship search on BigFuture is fairly similar to that on FastWeb and Scholarhsips.com. Students will fill out a profile that includes information about their ethnicity, race, gender, and major. They will then be paired with scholarships that are tailored to their specific needs. #!welcome https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search
Sallie Mae – Sallie Mae, a company that provides college loans to students, also offers its own scholarship search.
Students must first create a profile before being given access to a scholarship search and a college planning calculator on their college planning website. Visit https://www.salliemae.com/college-planning/registration/?mode=scholar&lnkid=SM-PlanToolsSS-hero-scholarships/ to learn more about the Sallie Mae planning resources.
When to Begin the Search
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a golden rule when it comes to scholarship deadlines. However, it is best to start applying for scholarships as soon as possible. It may seems that you must have a firm plan in place and know which institution you will attend before applying for scholarships, but this is not the case.
Because most scholarships are transferable to any authorised university, you can start applying for scholarships before deciding which college you want to attend. Some scholarships have a year-long application period before being given. This means that the sooner you start looking for scholarships and applying for them, the better your chances of getting given one of them.
Scholarships are frequently available throughout the year, so it’s important to keep looking all year. Even if you miss out on one scholarship, there may be others. Don’t limit yourself to just one scholarship application. Apply to as many as you think are relevant to you. It will increase your chances of winning the prize.
It’s also worth noting that even after you’ve started college, you can still apply for scholarships for the years you’re there. You should apply for scholarships every year to help with the financial load of attending school for four years.
Last Thoughts on Cybersecurity Scholarships
There is a scholarship out there for you, whether you are still in high school and have just begun looking at universities, or you have a bachelor’s degree and are considering returning for a master’s degree.
With the average cost of a private four-year college hovering around $30,000 per year and the average cost of a public four-year college at around $10,000, scholarships can help alleviate some of the financial load.
Every year, new cybersecurity scholarships emerge in response to the growing demand for cybersecurity specialists. Students should apply for as many scholarships as possible, regardless of the value of the prize. Every little bit helps in college. A $1,000 or $5,000 scholarship is money that you will not have to repay later.
Essays or letters of recommendation will be required for many scholarships. Don’t dismiss a scholarship because it necessitates extra effort. These scholarships assist you in preparing for the academic world of college.
Make sure you apply for scholarships in a variety of categories, including those particular to your major, interests, and special categories such as those for women and minorities. Early and often are the best ways to apply for scholarships, and don’t forget that scholarships are available to students who are already enrolled in college or university.
We covered the goal of applying for scholarships and how they can help alleviate some of the financial stress that comes with going to college in this guide. We talked about when and where to start looking for scholarships, as well as some of the scholarships that are offered to undergraduates, graduates, women, and veterans.
