BETHESDA, MD — February 10, 2022 — SANS Institute (SANS), the global leader in cyber security training and certifications, announced that applications are now open for the SANS + HBCU Cyber Academy, the first-ever nationwide cybersecurity scholarship academy in partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Applications for the nationwide SANS + HBCU Cyber Academy will be open throughout all Black History Month and accepted until March 1, 2022. The SANS + HBCU Cyber Academy provides scholarships to currently enrolled junior, senior, and graduate students of HBCUs and HBCU alumni who have a passion for cybersecurity and a desire to pursue a career in the field. Classes will begin in April 2022 after all applications have been processed and scholarships have been awarded.

“Considering and pursuing a cybersecurity career can feel like a bridge too far to cross, can feel too challenging and difficult, when surrounded by people who don’t look like you. SANS Institute is determined to change that perspective,” said Dennis Scandrett, Chair of the SANS Institute Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Task Force.

Today, nearly 600,000 cybersecurity jobs remain unfilled across the United States. However, only 4 percent of the cybersecurity workforce self-identifies as Black, according to the Aspen Institute’s September 2021 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Cybersecurity report. The SANS + HBCU Cyber Academy creates an enormous opportunity to both diversify the cybersecurity industry and increase workforce supply by bringing more Black professionals into the field, amidst rising demand.

“Pop culture has led many to believe that cybersecurity isn’t for them—that you must fit into this stereotypical prototype with a background in computer science. Nothing could be farther from the truth,” said Delisha Hodo, SANS Institute HBCU Chair. “The truth is that we need to fill the rapidly increasing cybersecurity workforce demand with individuals from all backgrounds. Now is the time to diversify the industry to improve its future and upend this misconception.”

The SANS + HBCU Cyber Academy is designed to fast-track career pathways, with a core curriculum that provides students with the fundamental skills needed for a cybersecurity career, and teaches fundamentals in computers, technology, networking, and security. These courses also instruct students on how to create a security program that is built on a foundation of detection, response, and prevention. Students in the program are required to complete three courses and must complete each course and certification in twelve weeks.

“The SANS + HBCU Cyber Academy furthers our mission of building the bridge that diversifies cyber, by providing new opportunities to those who aspire to join the workforce,” said Mr. Scandrett.

To apply to the SANS + HBCU Cyber Academy and review eligibility requirements, click here.