Hands-On Learning and Career Support to Fast-Track Your Cybersecurity Future
COOKEVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), the nonprofit organization dedicated to the recruitment, retention and advancement of women in cybersecurity has opened applications for its 6th annual Security Training Scholarship Program. This transformative career accelerator powered by WiCyS Tier 1 Partners and Premier Supporters such as Bloomberg, Craig Newmark Philanthropies and Truist Foundation has already helped more than 4,600 individuals build hands-on skills toward launching careers in cybersecurity.
The multi-stage program offers WiCyS members a structured pathway to upskill through hands-on training, community building and direct career placement support. Applications are open now through Aug. 30, 2025 to all WiCyS members aged 18 and older who are seeking cybersecurity employment within the next 18 months. Only first-time applicants will be accepted.
A dedicated Veteran and Military Spouse Track made possible by Craig Newmark Philanthropies will expand mentorship, employer networking, career placement and conference access for participants with military backgrounds, recognizing the unique skills and mission-driven mindset they bring to the field.
The cybersecurity industry faces a critical workforce shortage with 4.8 million professionals needed worldwide—a 19% increase year over year according to the ISC2 Workforce Study (Sept. 2024). Addressing this gap requires looking beyond traditional career pipelines and recognizing the untapped potential of those from unconventional backgrounds such as nursing, teaching, social work and more—fields where problem-solving, communication and resilience are already well-honed. By broadening our perspective on what qualifies someone for a cybersecurity career we can build a more resilient and capable workforce.
The WiCyS Security Training Scholarship is designed to break down barriers to entry, prioritizing aptitude, grit and drive over prior technical experience. Through its staged learning model, participants build technical skills, confidence and lasting professional connections, gaining access to wraparound support services that prepare them to enter and advance in thriving, lucrative cybersecurity careers in less than a year—making a measurable impact on the global talent shortage.
The results speak for themselves. The program has achieved a 92% career placement rate for advanced training scholars within 12 months of completion for job seekers reaching the final stage. Past participants have moved into roles such as Cloud Security Engineer, SOC Analyst, Incident Responder and Penetration Tester in under a year. Alumna Stephani Guimaraes Lima went from a Help Desk role to SOC Analyst L1 in just 10 months, crediting the program’s mentorship and community for her success.
“The WiCyS Security Training Scholarship is not only about learning cybersecurity skills in every program tier. It’s also about building my confidence and realizing I can achieve anything I set my mind to. This experience has truly changed my life and how I see my career and opportunities for my future. It also made connecting to inspiring people in the cohort possible,” said Lima.
WiCyS Premier Supporter and Craigslist Founder Craig Newmark praised the program’s industry impact: “Cybersecurity is a field where everyone who can contribute should be involved. WiCyS plays a vital role in making this possible by opening doors for talented individuals regardless of their background,” said Newmark. “Our grant is a step towards ensuring that more women have the opportunity to make a significant impact in cybersecurity.”
Applications are open now through Aug. 30, 2025. To learn more and apply visit: https://www.wicys.org/benefits/security-training-scholarship
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