WiCyS Launches Its Annual Security Training Scholarship for Women

WiCyS Opens Applications for the 6th Annual Security Training Scholarship Program

The Women in CyberSecurity, or WiCyS, has announced the opening of applications for its sixth annual Security Training Scholarship Program for the 2025-2026 cycle. This scholarship is specifically designed to assist women seeking to enter the cybersecurity field, enhancing their skills and increasing their employability in a rapidly growing sector. WiCyS is a nonprofit organization devoted to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in cyber-related roles.

The program is made possible by the generous support of WiCyS Tier 1 partners and Premier Supporters, including renowned organizations like Bloomberg, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, and the Truist Foundation. Their backing is crucial in creating a structured program that offers hands-on training, a strengthening community, and direct career placement support.

Application Details

Applicants can submit their applications from now until August 30, 2025. To qualify for the scholarship, individuals must be WiCyS members aged 18 and older who are actively seeking employment in the cybersecurity field within the next 18 months. Importantly, only first-time applicants will be accepted, emphasizing the program's commitment to providing fresh opportunities for those newly entering this industry.

Support for Veterans and Military Spouses

A significant highlight of the 2025-2026 program is the introduction of a dedicated track for veterans and military spouses. This acknowledges the valuable contributions that military families make to the cybersecurity sector. With support from Craig Newmark Philanthropies, this special track provides enhanced services, including mentorship opportunities, connections to WiCyS employer partners, career placement assistance, and travel stipends for attending professional conferences.

As Lynn Dohm, Executive Director of WiCyS, stated, "What makes the WiCyS Security Training Scholarship unique is its ability to find hidden cybersecurity talent in nontraditional places." The scholarship places a strong emphasis on aptitude and perseverance rather than solely on prior experience, ensuring that it identifies and nurtures potential where it may be overlooked.

Program Structure

The scholarship program is structured in multiple stages, offering performance-based advancement as participants progress through carefully devised phases. These phases include beginner-level skills development, employer visibility, and certification preparation. Central to this initiative is the community aspect; each cohort will benefit from mentorship, peer support, and expert guidance to equip them with the necessary tools to succeed.

The scholarship's first stage features a SANS Beginner-level Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge. This engaging multi-discipline challenge introduces participants to core cybersecurity concepts via interactive means. From the results of this challenge and other application materials, a selection of 500 candidates will be chosen to advance to the next stage.

Participants who progress to the final stage will receive WiCyS Conference Scholarships, intensive interview preparation, and direct connections to WiCyS employer partners actively looking to hire new talent.

About WiCyS

Founded in 2013 by Dr. Ambareen Siraj through a grant from the National Science Foundation to Tennessee Tech University, WiCyS has gained acclaim for its efforts to foster a supportive network for women in cyber roles. The organization focuses on providing resources, training, events, and community support for its members.

With strategic partners including some of the biggest names in tech and cybersecurity, such as 3M, Amazon, and Google, WiCyS is paving the way for women to thrive in a field known for its underrepresentation of female professionals. For those interested in learning more about the scholarship or considering becoming a support partner, more details can be found on WiCyS's official website.

Conclusion

As cybersecurity continues to grow in importance and demand, initiatives like WiCyS's Security Training Scholarship Program play a crucial role in shaping a diverse and skilled workforce. By empowering women and supporting veterans in their career pursuits, WiCyS not only reflects the changing landscape of technology but actively contributes to it.