Social Engineering Scholarships: Empowering the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Professionals

Social engineering, a subtle yet potent manipulation tactic, poses a significant threat in today's digital landscape. As organizations and individuals become increasingly reliant on technology, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals to combat these threats grows exponentially. Recognizing this critical need, numerous organizations and institutions offer scholarships specifically designed to support students pursuing education and careers in cybersecurity, with a particular focus on social engineering awareness and defense. These scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also foster a diverse and inclusive cybersecurity workforce.

KnowBe4 Scholarships: Investing in Cybersecurity Education

KnowBe4, a leading provider of security awareness training and simulated phishing platforms, stands at the forefront of organizations dedicated to promoting cybersecurity education through scholarships. The company offers several scholarships, including the KnowBe4 Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship and the Black Americans in Cybersecurity Scholarship, in partnership with the Center for Cyber Safety and Education.

KnowBe4 Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship

The KnowBe4 Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship awards \$10,000 to a deserving female student pursuing a career in cybersecurity. The scholarship also includes an (ISC)² certification education package, providing the recipient with valuable resources to enhance their knowledge and skills. This one-time award allows students to reapply each year for consideration, encouraging continued pursuit of excellence in the field.

Stu Sjouwerman, CEO of KnowBe4, emphasizes the company's commitment to nurturing fresh talent within cybersecurity, recognizing that women represent a significant portion of their workforce. Holly Schneider Brown, Senior Director at the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, underscores the importance of inclusivity, noting that diverse and inclusive cybersecurity teams are more successful.

Black Americans in Cybersecurity Scholarship

In line with its commitment to diversity and inclusion, KnowBe4 has partnered with the Center for Cyber Safety and Education to offer the Black Americans in Cybersecurity Scholarship. This scholarship aims to address the underrepresentation of African Americans in technical fields, particularly cybersecurity. Erika Lance, chief human resources officer at KnowBe4, highlights the company's dedication to promoting educational opportunities for its black employees, especially during Black History Month.

Tara Wisniewski, executive vice president of advocacy, global markets, and member engagement at (ISC)², emphasizes the importance of access to cybersecurity education in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry. Scholarship programs like these provide a pathway to long-term career success in a critical field.

KnowBe4's dedication extends beyond financial assistance. The company's security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, designed with the help of the late Kevin Mitnick, an internationally recognized cybersecurity specialist, helps organizations address the human element of security by raising awareness about ransomware, CEO fraud, and other social engineering tactics.

Government-Sponsored Scholarships: Securing the Nation's Cyber Future

The U.S. government also recognizes the importance of cybersecurity and offers scholarships to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of protecting the nation's digital infrastructure.

Scholarship for Service (SFS) Program

The Scholarship for Service (SFS) program, administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), provides full tuition and fees, a cost-of-living stipend, and reimbursement for travel expenses and professional development to students pursuing cybersecurity-related degrees. In exchange for this financial support, SFS recipients commit to working for the federal government in a cybersecurity role for a specified period after graduation.

Department of Defense (DoD) Cyber Service Academy (CSA)

The Department of Defense (DoD) Cyber Service Academy (CSA) offers similar benefits to the SFS program. However, CSA students are immediately paired with a DoD employer upon receiving the scholarship, providing them with valuable hands-on experience and a direct pathway to a career in national security.

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University and College Scholarships: Fostering Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity

Numerous universities and colleges across the nation offer scholarships to attract and support talented students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity and related fields. These scholarships often recognize academic merit, participation in extracurricular activities, and a demonstrated passion for cybersecurity.

Adelphi University STEM and Education Scholarships

Adelphi University offers a range of merit scholarships to admitted students studying in STEM fields and education. Scholarships vary and are based on academic merit.

Arizona State University Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Scholarships

Arizona State University offers up to six scholarships of \$3,000 per year, renewable for up to 5 years to full-time ASU students who are studying the fields of Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction. Applicants must be admitted as an undergraduate student to ASU’s Ira A.

Capitol Technology University

Capitol Technology University is part of the job-rich pipeline supplying human capital to America’s most technologically advanced government agencies and their private sector supply chains. While many college graduates struggle to find meaningful work with their degrees, Capitol Tech provides a launch pad to a better life.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University VEX Robotics Scholarship

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will award a merit scholarship in the amount of up to \$5,000, per year of attendance (up to \$25,000), to high school seniors who are active members of a VEX team at any high school in the country or its territories.

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Florida Polytechnic University Robotics and STEM Scholarships

Florida Polytechnic University offers 10 non-renewable academic merit scholarships to full time technology and engineering students with a strong passion for Robotics and STEM. Students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA.

Illinois Tech/VEX Scholarships

Candidates competing for the Illinois Tech/VEX scholarships demonstrate an aptitude for science, technology, and other STEM subjects. VEX scholars are eligible for a merit scholarship award of \$20,000 per year for up to four years of undergraduate study (five years for Architecture).

Johnson & Wales University VEX Robotics Scholarships

Johnson & Wales University awards and unlimited number of \$2,500 scholarships to students who participate in VEX Robotics Competitions. These awards are renewable for up to 4 years. Students need to have competed during their junior and or senior years in high school.

Kettering University Co-op Program

As first year students, Kettering students secure a valuable immersive working experience at the leading-edge of industry called a co-op. And nowhere else pays them \$45,000-\$70,000 to do it.

Lamar University College of Engineering Scholarships

Must be a first-time student in the college of engineering.

LSU Pre-Engineering VEX Scholarship

The LSU Pre-Engineering VEX is a \$1,000 scholarship awarded to one outstanding LSU freshman student entering the College of Engineering each fall. The scholarship is awarded \$500 for the fall semester and \$500 for the spring semester of the incoming freshman year.

Michigan Technological University FIRST Robotics and VEX Robotics Scholarships

Michigan Technological University is pleased to recognize exceptional incoming first-year students pursuing any major who have actively competed on a FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge team, or in VEX Robotics during their high school career. Michigan, non-Michigan, and international students are welcome to apply. Test scores are not needed to apply for this scholarship.

Millikin University VEX Robotics Competition Scholarships

Millikin University, a national leader in STEM education, is pleased to award as many as 40 scholarships with a value up to \$3,000 renewable for 4 years (totaling \$12,000) to students who participate in the VEX Robotics Competition (V5RC) which can be applied toward full-time undergraduate study at Millikin University.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute VEX Robotics Scholarships

Rensselaer is proud to offer up to ten four-year VEX Robotics scholarships (minimum of \$12,500 per year), for a total minimum value of \$50,000 each, to high school juniors who are participating on a VEX Robotics team. Applicants must have junior status in high school or the equivalent.

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology VEX Robotics Scholarships

Up to five scholarships will be presented at the Indianapolis V5RC competition to the winners of the Excellence Award. Each Scholarship is valued at \$10,000 for four years. Students must apply and be accepted to The Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. This Scholarship is open to high school juniors and seniors.

Industry and Non-Profit Organization Scholarships: Supporting the Future of Cybersecurity

In addition to government and university scholarships, various industry organizations and non-profit foundations offer scholarships to support students pursuing cybersecurity education. These scholarships often focus on specific areas of cybersecurity, such as social engineering, ethical hacking, or digital forensics.

AmericanMuscle Robotics and Mechanical Engineering Scholarships

AmericanMuscle is offering two student scholarship worth \$2,500 each for students pursuing Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or other automotive-themed majors.

Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST) Foundation Scholarships

The Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST) Foundation offers 30 scholarships, 29 for \$6,000 each and one for \$12,000.

Chairish Design-Related Fields Scholarships

Chairish is offering a scholarship designed to support students from diverse backgrounds and students who are majoring in design-related fields such as architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and engineering fields.

Chevron College or University Scholarships

Chevron offers two \$5,000 and five \$2,000 non-renewable scholarships to any college or university. Students must be US citizens or permanent residents and meet academic requirements.

Community Celebrating Diversity Scholarship

The Community Celebrating Diversity Scholarship is funded by the corporate sponsors of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. CCD sponsors five \$2,500 scholarships (two for pursuing a STEM degree and three for general education) to high school graduates who show promise of continued excellence in academics and community service.

Employment BOOST Scholarships

Employment BOOST offers non-renewable scholarships.

Engineers’ Council Scholarships

The Engineers’ Council is offering 20 scholarships at \$500 with a total of \$10,000 to graduating high school seniors who have been accepted by a college or university for the following fall term into an academic program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Mathematics, or the Physical Sciences.

Heinlein Society STEM or Science Fiction as Literature Scholarships

The Heinlein Society is offering three non-renewable \$3,000 scholarships to full time students studying STEM or Science Fiction as Literature. Applicants must be an undergraduate student enrolled for the 2021-22 academic year in an accredited college that awards Bachelor of Science or Arts degrees.

Hyundai Women in STEM Scholarship

Hyundai Motor America has opened applications for its fifth annual Hyundai Women in STEM Scholarship. In September, five female STEM students will receive a scholarship in the amount of \$10,000 each.

Intertech Foundation

The Intertech Foundation focuses on young people’s inspiration and the building of their science, engineering, and technology skills.

Julie A. Keil Women in Hydro Scholarship Fund

The Julie A. Keil Women in Hydro Scholarship Fund is an education scholarship program for women enrolled in an accredited college or university and majoring in a discipline relevant to entering the hydropower industry.

Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship Program

Lockheed Martin launched the STEM Scholarship Program in 2018 as part of investment in the next generation of STEM talent. We are committed to providing access to pathways through education and into the STEM workforce for all students, particularly those from diverse backgrounds and communities historically underrepresented in STEM fields.

NAWIC Founders’ Scholarship Foundation (NFSF)

The NAWIC Founders’ Scholarship Foundation (NFSF) assists in providing the construction industry with trained employees through higher education. Each year we are pleased to award over \$100,000 to worthy recipients in construction-related programs. Award amounts range from \$500 to \$2,500.

Newfangled Networks Scholarship

Newfangled Networks celebrates students who strive for excellence and is proud to launch their first scholarship for an outstanding university student.

NFPA Education and Technology Foundation Scholarships

The NFPA Education and Technology Foundation awards multiple \$2,500 scholarships to high school seniors, and students enrolled at community colleges, technical colleges, and universities. The Fluid Power Scholarship aims to help students pursue their academic interests in fluid power.

Nuts Bolts and Thingamajigs Foundation Scholarships

The Nuts Bolts and Thingamajigs Foundation is offering multiple non-renewable \$1,500 - \$3,500 scholarships to any college or university. Full-time college students that have a 2.5 GPA for trade, community, or technical colleges or 3.0 GPA for universities may apply.

PixelPlex Bi-Annual STEM Scholarship

The \$2,000 PixelPlex Bi-Annual STEM Scholarship was established to help support and inspire students to pursue further education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), as well as economics and business. One student will be chosen from the applicant pool and will be awarded based on the strength of their written essay.

PLC Training Organization Scholarship

The PLC Training Organization strives to improve the quality of automation training, and works to bridge the gap between the education being delivered and what employers actually need. As part of the application students will submit a 600 or more words on the topic of “New or Future Industrial Automation Technology”.

SAE International Scholarships

SAE International is offering one scholarship for an engineering or related science degree through an ABET-accredited program.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities: Expanding Access to Cybersecurity Education

Beyond the scholarships listed above, numerous other organizations and institutions offer financial assistance to students pursuing cybersecurity education. These include:

Golden Door Scholars

Golden Door Scholars provides underrepresented students with the support and financial aid necessary to invest in their education and shape their futures. More than scholarships, GDS is a vibrant and determined community that offers comprehensive support, including career readiness programs, mentorship, and intentional programming, going beyond financial assistance.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Scholarships

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s scholarships provide financial assistance and academic support to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students.

Samvid Scholars program

The Samvid Scholars program supports up to \$50,000 per year for two years of graduate study. In addition to funding for their graduate program, each Scholar will receive two years of leadership development programming to support them to continue to fulfill their extraordinary potential.

The Fidelity Scholars Program

The Fidelity Scholars Program combines a generous annual needs-based scholarship with robust wrap-around services that support students’ persistence to degree or certificate attainment. The program is working to identify and support approximately 2,500 talented students from Fidelity’s geographical priority areas in the United States.

The Sachs Foundation Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships

The Sachs Foundation Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships open on Jan 1st each year and close on March 15th. Undergraduate scholarships are open to any Colorado high school senior who identifies as Black.

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