Strider Technologies, Inc., a prominent leader in strategic intelligence, has made a significant move by establishing the Strider Fellows program aimed at students pursuing careers in national security and intelligence. Announced during the recent Intermountain Intelligence, Industry, and Security Consortium (I3SC) Fall Symposium, this initiative reflects Strider's commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders in these vital fields.
The scholarship program will provide a total of $300,000 in financial support over a three-year period to students enrolled at Utah State University (USU) and Utah Valley University (UVU). This partnership underscores the importance of preparing students to meet imminent national security challenges, emphasizing the crucial role that higher education institutions play in developing a skilled workforce.
Eric Levesque, COO and Co-founder of Strider Technologies, expressed the urgency of nurturing talent in security and intelligence sectors.
"Empowering the next generation of security and intelligence leaders is vital to meeting the national security challenges of tomorrow," he stated, showcasing Strider's belief in the necessity of adequate educational support for future professionals.
The unveiling of the Strider Fellows program coincides with discussions on advancements in intelligence and workforce development at the symposium, attended by industry leaders, academics, and students. The initiative aims to create pathways for students to elevate their expertise and directly contribute to national security efforts.
According to Ryan Vogel, Co-Executive Director of I3SC and Director of UVU's Center for National Security Studies, the collaboration with Strider is a testament to the innovative reputation the company holds in the intelligence and technology domains.
"This funding will open doors for our outstanding students in these areas who have been offered prestigious internships… or are otherwise involved in extraordinary projects and initiatives," Vogel noted, emphasizing the long-term positive impact of Strider’s investment.
With a mission to equip Utah's workforce to handle next-generation security challenges, the I3SC provides students access to a multifaceted academic pipeline program. This initiative exposes them to various essential skills necessary for addressing significant security threats within Utah's expanding tech sector.
Strider's contributions go beyond just financial assistance; the company also plays an integral role in shaping the I3SC curriculum, mentoring students and offering opportunities for practical applications of their education through internships and capstone projects. This approach aligns closely with the collective goal of refining programs at both USU and UVU to produce top-talent professionals in national security.
The establishment of the I3SC itself marks a critical milestone in fostering collaboration between academia and industry, initiated in 2021, led by USU's Center for Anticipatory Intelligence and UVU's Center for National Security Studies.
Strider Technologies is part of a broader consortium that includes major companies such as Adobe, Northrop Grumman, and Mandiant, all of whom contribute invaluable resources, knowledge, and support to students. This collaboration highlights the urgency of addressing the complexities of contemporary security challenges through a united front of educational and industrial resources.
As Strider continues to clarify its position as a leading entity in strategic intelligence, their efforts toward higher education and workforce development signify a broader commitment to supporting futures in national security and intelligence. By investing in these young scholars today, Strider Technologies is laying the groundwork for a secure tomorrow in which strategic foresight and preventive action will be paramount.
To learn more about the I3SC and its offerings, interested individuals can access additional resources and information through the Utah State University Center for Anticipatory Intelligence’s website.