Provider Exchange Partner Spotlight: SANS Cyber Immersion Academies

Applicants wanted to upskill and reskill in VA and MD for #cyberjobs

“How did you get started in cybersecurity?” A video on the website for the SANS Women’s Cyber Talent Academy nails it - everyone wants to know how to get in the door, however very few people have a clear answer! We are excited to tell you that we have a great opportunity for the right applicants.

The SANS Cyber Immersion Academies have received an infusion of financial support that translates into funding to propel security careers forward at a greater scale than ever before!

Our first press release was all about the work SANS is doing with the EARN Maryland grant. Well, did you know that they also have programming in Virginia!? Funded in part by GO VIRGINIA, a state-funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), this program is a partnership among SANS, Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu, and Katzy Cyber Games, with two options for career development - upskilling or reskilling training. 

These no-cost, 100% scholarship programs can be completed while otherwise employed or meeting family obligations, as they are completely virtual.

VIRGINIA * Apply for 2021 cohort by December 1 *(Applications will open again in 2022.)

• The Virginia Cyber Skills Acadamy (VCSA), sponsored by SANS, Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu, and Katzy Cyber Games, offers two options to residents of Virginia
  • Upskilling: If you have previous IT/cyber experience, this 8-week program will provide advanced SANS training and the associated GIAC certification you need to get ahead. Choose from a variety of courses including Intrusion Detection, Penetration Testing, DevSecOps, and Security Leadership.
  • Reskilling - This 8-week program provides the practical skills in computers, technology, and security fundamentals needed to launch your career in cybersecurity.

MARYLAND (Rolling 30 day application period)

• Cyber Workforce Academy Maryland, in conjunction with the EARN Maryland Grant, is currently offering the following for residents of Maryland
  • Reskilling Academy – 6 month program for individuals with no prior paid experience in cybersecurity to complete up to 3 SANS courses and earn the associated GIAC Certifications
  • Upskilling Academy – experienced cybersecurity professionals with no advanced level certifications (e.g., GXPN) receive SANS training and the affiliated GIAC certification, depending on their selected area of interest

Both of these programs offer the best cybersecurity training available taught by world-class cybersecurity practitioners, with labs that hone students’ technical and practical skills in a virtualized environment. If selected, participants will have access to technical mentors, career assistance, and the ability to network with like-minded peers that a global industry leader like SANS can provide. Best of all? All online training content, books, other course materials, two GIAC practice exams, and GIAC certification attempts are provided via scholarship, which means no cost for the recipient.

CyberSN is here to help those who are ready to find their next cybersecurity role, and we are so glad to have this solution for those who are still seeking their first cybersecurity role. Welcome to the community, we need you and we’re glad you’re here.

GET THOSE APPLICATIONS IN ASAP!

Resources:

SANS Scholarship Academies main site - sans.org/scholarship-academies/

Virginia Cyber Skills Academy main site: https://www.vacyberskills.com/

CyberSN Career Center: https://cybersn.com/cybersecurity-career-center/