The Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship from the SANS Technology Institute offers fully-funded scholarships to those seeking to make an impact in cybersecurity.
September 4, 2023, Bethesda, MD - The SANS Technology Institute today announced the launch of the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship, a fully-funded international scholarship designed to help fill the cybersecurity skills gap.
The fully-funded, non-residential scholarship is now open to applicants from the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. All courses will be delivered in English.
Tailored for students with all levels of cyber experience, from seasoned information security professionals to people with no technology background, the program matches successful applicants one of two scholarship tracks which each offer best-in-class degree and certificate programs with the purpose of helping them make their organizations, regions, and countries safer and more secure from cyber threats.
Through the New to Cyber Track -where no previous technical experience is required - students will earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Cybersecurity, or a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Applied Cybersecurity. The second Experienced Student Track -open to those with a bachelor's degree and some IT or information security experience- will allow learners to earn one of eight job-specific graduate certificates or a Master of Science in Information Security Engineering. The scholarship will cover all course fees, course materials, and GIAC certification exams, whichever track students follow.
All programs include multiple Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) certifications, are available in 100% online options, and offer a choice of challenging on-demand or live sessions designed to fit around scholars' lives. Built with working professionals in mind, the highly flexible courses allow scholars to take one course at a time and most will conclude with an industry recognized GIAC certification exam. Designed and delivered by elite cyber professionals currently working in cybersecurity, this practical, online education takes learning beyond the screen and into a life-changing cybersecurity career.
Named after Alan Paller, the founder of the SANS Institute and the SANS Technology Institute, the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship seeks to build on his legacy as a visionary cybersecurity educator, which lives on in the millions of breaches that have been prevented and the hundreds of thousands of lives he helped change. Today, as organizations need stronger defenses than ever, the SANS Technology Institute is the leading international cybersecurity program and is the only college solely focused on cybersecurity education. It is committed to ensuring that those with the talent, drive, and desire to protect have the opportunity to take action and make a difference.
Ed Skoudis, President at the SANS Technology Institute, said: "The Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship offers the world's best cybersecurity education to those with the drive and capability to make a real-world impact. A hands-on approach delivered by those on the front lines of the cybersecurity industry will be imperative for those looking to defend against today's critical cyber threats. No other cybersecurity education provider in the world has the same level of real-world exposure as us, so we're thrilled to bring fully-funded scholarships to those who are up for the challenge and determined to make a difference."
"Alan Paller dedicated his life to vastly improving cybersecurity practitioners' skills to thwart ever-increasing threats. Due to Alan's commitment, hard work, and kindness, hundreds of thousands of students have become better cyber defenders. His legacy and lifetime dedication continue to embody the SANS mission."
Jake Danuser, a SANS Technology Institute graduate who transitioned from philosophy and economics to cybersecurity and is now an Associate Security Consultant for AHEAD, a leading provider of cloud, data, and digital engineering solutions, said: "If you work in this field, you must be prepared to look to the future and remain on the leading edge of technology. I directly attribute my current job to the certificates I earned through SANS Technology Institute. SANS certificates are well recognized and well respected across the industry and around the world. It is the best program of its kind in the industry."
Shawna Turner, a SANS Technology Institute graduate who transitioned from theater tech to cybersecurity and is now principal engineer at Nike, said: "SANS is the Oxford of security studies, so students naturally feel that expectations of them are high. Living up to those is not a trivial accomplishment!"
No prior experience in cybersecurity is necessary, though applicants will be required to take an aptitude test and interview. To find out more or apply for the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship, please visit here. Applications close on November 15 at 23:59 CET.
About the SANS Technology Institute
The SANS Technology Institute (SANS.edu) is the world's premier college for cybersecurity, offering career-focused undergraduate and graduate programs. SANS helps good people to go further to maintain freedoms and protect society from bad actors.
Thanks to the most hands-on training from the best instructors in the industry, you can study your way to freedom through expertise. Each student joins a community where learners are passionate to master their craft and get closer to the target of eliminating risk. Both tough and thorough, SANS brings defenders to the front line, with real-time exposure to the latest threats.
A SANS education changes lives far beyond those of the students who undertake the courses.
About The SANS Institute
The SANS Institute is the world's most trusted resource for cybersecurity training, certifications and research. It was established in 1989 by Alan Paller as a cooperative research and education organization. Today, SANS is the most trusted and, by far, the largest provider of cybersecurity training and certification to professionals in government and commercial institutions worldwide. Renowned SANS instructors teach more than 60 courses at in-person and virtual cybersecurity events and OnDemand. At the heart of SANS are the many security practitioners, representing varied global organizations from corporations to universities, working together to support and educate the global information security community.