Grant opportunities available to women, undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students and faculty worldwide; candidates must apply by March 31st

London, UK, November 20, 2012 — Students and academics pursuing education in information security can begin their applications for 2013 scholarship funding from the (ISC)2® (“ISC-squared”) Foundation. The charitable trust for (ISC)2, the world’s largest information security professional membership body and global leader in information security education and certification, today announced that its scholarship applications are available, with completed submissions to be accepted between January 1, 2013 and 12:00 a.m. GMT on March 31, 2013.

The (ISC)2 Foundation aims to make the cyber world safer for everyone through community cyber security education and awareness. The (ISC)² Foundation’s information security scholarship programme provides undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students with an opportunity to pursue stable careers in the field of information security and help address the growing demand for skilled cyber security professionals worldwide. According to the 2011(ISC)2 Global Information Security Workforce Study, conducted by industry analysts Frost and Sullivan, the demand for information security professionals will double by 2015. Further, (ISC)2 career research conducted earlier this year shows employers currently struggle to find the people they need, with nearly half, 48 percent, taking three to six months or more to fill positions; and only 7.4 percent filling their positions in less than a month.

The (ISC)² Foundation evaluates applicants based on academic excellence, passion for the industry and financial need. Patrick Katamba, 2012 recipient of the (ISC)2 Foundation undergraduate scholarship and studying at the London Metropolitan University, is one of two recent recipients studying in the UK: “Information security is my profession of choice. I’ve consciously focused myself in this area to gain expertise and knowledge simultaneously in this field. Ethical hacking and network security are of special interest to me. In order to pay for my university course fees and living expenses, I’m currently working as a part-time junior IT support technician. Though the experience is invaluable, the finances obtained can only go so far to cover my study expenses. This scholarship will greatly help me in dealing with all the financial constraints I will encounter in achieving my goal of becoming a certified information security professional,” he says.

“These scholarships demonstrate our investment and commitment to filling the pipeline of qualified information security professionals,” said Julie Peeler, director of the (ISC)² Foundation. “As cyber threats continue to evolve with broader implications worldwide, it is critical that we cultivate a workforce capable of mitigating these risks for the long term. These scholarships are aimed at encouraging not only entry into the workforce, but more academic participation within this industry to help fulfill this growing need.” 

The 2013 scholarship categories include:

- Women’s Scholarships: To inspire women to join the ever-growing field of information security, each year, the (ISC)² Foundation grants up to two scholarships totaling up to US$40,000.

- Undergraduate Scholarships: Aspiring information security professionals have the opportunity to ease some of their educational financial burden with the (ISC)2 Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship, offering undergraduate students studying information security grants of up to US$5,000 per recipient.

- Graduate Research Project(s): Graduate students often need funding to conduct special research projects. Seed funding of up to eight grants will be given for up to US$3,000 per recipient.

- Harold F. Tipton Memorial Scholarship: The (ISC)² Foundation Harold F. Tipton Memorial Scholarship was established to provide passionate, aspiring young information security professionals the means to follow the pathway to industry excellence, as constructed by the late Mr. Tipton.

- Faculty Certification Exam Vouchers: To encourage more academic participation in the profession and the certification process, (ISC)² will provide vouchers valid for one CISSP® or CSSLP® exam and, upon certification, the first year of membership dues.

To apply, please visit: https://www.isc2.org/scholarship-how-to-apply.aspx

For additional scholarship information, please visit: https://www.isc2.org/scholarship/default.aspx