ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship: Empowering Future Leaders in STEM

The ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship is an initiative by ESET North America to address the gender gap in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and cybersecurity fields. This scholarship aims to support women pursuing education and careers in these areas by providing financial assistance and opportunities for networking and mentorship.

Background

Women are underrepresented in the cybersecurity workforce. According to a 2022 (ISC)2 Women in Cybersecurity Report, women constitute 30% of global cybersecurity workers under 30, but only 14% of those 60 or older. This disparity highlights the need for continued investment and action to promote gender equity in the industry. ESET recognizes this need and has been offering the Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship since 2016 to help reduce barriers to education and opportunity for women in STEM.

Scholarship Details

Overview

The ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship provides financial awards to women pursuing education in cybersecurity and related STEM fields. The scholarship aims to empower women and support their journey in these underrepresented spaces.

Scholarship Amounts

In the United States, two scholarships of $10,000 USD each are awarded. One scholarship is specifically for applicants residing in the Greater San Diego Area, while the other is open to eligible applicants anywhere in the United States. In Canada, three scholarships of $5,000 CAD each are awarded.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship, applicants must:

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Identify as a woman.
Be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited college or university in the US or Canada.
Demonstrate an interest in cybersecurity, technology, or related STEM fields and aspire to pursue a career in the cybersecurity industry.
Meet any academic or documentation requirements stated in the application materials.

Notably, ESET has decided to forego minimum GPA requirements, allowing anyone interested and passionate in science, technology, and cybersecurity to apply. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the US or Canada.

Application Process

The application period typically runs from March 8 to April 8. Applications must be submitted through the third-party platform "Reviewr." All required materials must be received by the deadline, as late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Complete applications must include:

One copy of an unofficial transcript or acceptance letter as proof of enrollment.
One letter of recommendation signed by the recommending party.
One personal essay of 500-700 words written in English or Spanish (for US students) or English or French (for Canadian students) answering the prompt on the application.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed through a structured, impartial, and objective process. Personally identifiable information, including names, photographs, contact information, and demographic identifiers, is redacted from all applications before review. The judging panel comprises volunteer internal and external judges who are leaders and professionals in cybersecurity, technology, STEM, leadership, or related fields. Each application is evaluated using a predefined, standardized scoring rubric. Evaluation factors include technical merit, community impact, personal statement responses, and recommendation letters. Judges score independently, and finalists are selected based on cumulative scores and professional judgment. All decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

Key Dates

The scholarship application typically opens on March 8 and closes on April 8. The winners are usually announced in May.

Additional Opportunities

External Scholarships

In addition to the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship, several other external organizations offer scholarship opportunities for students pursuing cybersecurity education. These scholarships are administered by the sponsoring organizations, and students must apply directly to each organization.

Scholarships.com: A free resource that matches students to scholarship and grant opportunities based on personal profiles, academic focus, and eligibility criteria.
Citizen SCARLETT FAMILY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP: Available to Tennessee residents only, this scholarship varies in amount based on financial need. Applicants must demonstrate financial need via a 1040 tax return, be a graduate from a high school in Middle Tennessee, and be pursuing Business or STEM degrees. Applicants must be a sophomore or junior. Applications are open from September 15 to December 15 annually.
JAY HOLSTINE SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship awards $1,000 to students who demonstrate economic need in their effort to complete their education. Applicants must submit an original essay (700-850 words).
UMSA FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP: Residents of IA, ND, SD, MN, or WI are eligible for this $3,000 scholarship. Applicants must be enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program in cybersecurity.
WOMEN IN DEFENSE SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship awards $5,000 to women enrolled either full-time or part-time, who are at least incoming junior undergraduates and demonstrate interest in pursuing a career related to national security or defense. Applicants must belong to a historically underrepresented group in cybersecurity, including but not limited to women, Black, Native American, Asian American & Pacific Islander, Hispanic, LGBTQ+, and persons with disabilities.

ESET Scholarship Alumni Program

All Scholarship winners are automatically enrolled in the ESET Scholarship Alumni Program, which may include networking opportunities, mentorship, and invitations to future programs or events. Winners may opt out of the Alumni Program at any time by contacting ESET.

ESET's Commitment to Equity

ESET believes in a culture of inclusion and equity. The ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship is a testament to this commitment, providing opportunities for women to pursue their passions in cybersecurity and STEM. By supporting and empowering women in these fields, ESET aims to create a more diverse and equitable workforce.

Terms and Conditions

ESET reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the Scholarship program or these Terms at any time, for any reason, without prior notice. In the event of program cancellation, ESET will not be liable for any damages or obligations beyond the return of any unawarded scholarship funds. ESET does not guarantee the award of any scholarship or the outcome of the selection process. To the fullest extent permitted by law, ESET and its affiliates, officers, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of or relating to the Scholarship, including but not limited to application submission, selection, or award.

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from or relating to the Scholarship shall be resolved exclusively in the courts located in San Diego County, California.

Privacy

ESET is committed to protecting the privacy of applicants. Personal information is used solely for administering the Scholarship, communicating with applicants, publicity and promotional purposes for winners, and Alumni Program administration for winners. Applications are collected and processed via "Reviewr," a third-party platform acting as ESET's service provider/processor. Applicant personal information is retained for no longer than one year after the conclusion of the Scholarship cycle.

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