Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Cyber Foundations Academy

Overview: A four-month practical online course providing hands-on technical training, industry recognized certifications, and interactive training sessions with world-class instructors and experts. The Academy provides free access to essential cybersecurity foundational training and certification.

Geographic Scope: United States

Focus Areas:

  • Core cybersecurity foundational knowledge and skills

  • 50 core knowledge and skill sets (many hands-on)

  • Computer hardware, Linux, networking, programming, security concepts

  • Industry-recognized GIAC certification
  • Eligibility:

  • High school and college students

  • Must be invited based on demonstrated aptitude through CyberStart America or Cyber FastTrack (2021-2024)

  • Invitation-only program
  • Key Features:

  • Course Duration: 4 months, flexible schedule

  • Content: Over 120 hours of engaging video tutorials, case studies, personal accounts from the field

  • Instructor: Led by cybersecurity expert and SANS CTO James Lyne

  • Labs: Hands-on lab experiences, practical exercises

  • Certification: GIAC certification upon completion

  • Cost: Free access for qualified participants

  • System Requirements: Modern web browser (Chrome or Firefox), recommended access to virtual machine for labs

  • Skills Covered: Computer hardware, Linux, networking, programming, security concepts (covers 50 core competencies)
  • Syllabus Development: Developed through consensus of 500+ cybersecurity professionals from 300+ major cybersecurity employers, managed by Center for Internet Security and Cyber Talent Institute. Represents "minimum acceptable technical skills needed to qualify for entry-level technical job in cybersecurity."

    2024 Program Details:

  • Started: February 1, 2024

  • Registration deadline: February 7, 2024

  • Late registration: Not available
  • Organization: National Cyber Scholarship Foundation (NCSF), in partnership with SANS Institute

    Contact: support@nationalcyberscholarship.org

    Related Programs: Advanced program following CyberStart America and Cyber FastTrack success.

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    • Invitation-Based: Access is awarded by invitation only to students who ranked highly in CyberStart America or Cyber FastTrack programs during 2021-2024
    • Notification: Invited participants receive full registration instructions via email
    • Registration: Must complete course registration by specified deadline (e.g., February 7, 2024)
    • Late Registration: Not permitted under any circumstances if deadline is missed
    • No Direct Applications: Students do not apply directly; they are selected based on performance in CyberStart America or Cyber FastTrack

    Required System Specifications

    • Modern web browser (Chrome or Firefox preferred)
    • Browser must be updated to latest version for security and functionality
    • Recommended: Access to virtual machine or personal system for independent practice with tools and techniques
    • Web-based labs accessible without high-end hardware requirements

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    stem-educationeducation

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