The Daniels Fund, in collaboration with the USO Colorado Springs, has announced a grant for veterans to receive cybersecurity training with the SANS Institute VetSuccess Immersion Academy.
VetSuccess is a three- to four-month immersion training program for veterans with an interest in, and an aptitude for, cybersecurity. The program is free to qualified candidates residing in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.
The grant is part of the Daniels Fund’s Boundless Opportunity Scholarship Program, which provides scholarship funding for non-traditional students, including returning military.
“Finding employment can be among the greatest challenges our transitioning military service members face when returning home,” said Linda Childears, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund. “We are pleased to support this program which can put these deserving men and women on a fast track to a meaningful career in a high-growth field.”
The 2015-16 VetSuccess Academies had a 94-percent graduation rate. Nearly nine in 10 (89 percent) of those program graduates are employed within the field. VetSuccess alumni hold positions such as Information Security Analyst, Security Engineer, Web Security Engineer, Security Analyst I, Information Security Engineer and Cybersecurity Specialist and report a median salary of $80,000.
“The number and complexity of cyber threats continue to rise at a time when the cybersecurity industry is challenged to keep pace in the face of a severe talent shortage,” explained Max Shuftan, director of CyberTalent, SANS Institute. “We are proud to honor the service of our nation’s veterans with the VetSuccess program and offer tremendous thanks to the Daniels Fund and the USO Colorado Springs for supporting this Academy.
“Transitioning service members offer a unique set of skills, making them well suited for cybersecurity jobs. Their training, discipline and integrity are exactly what are required to succeed in in this field.”
“The USO is not only committed to supporting our active military service members, we are also here to help our veterans transition back to their communities,” said Phil Martinez, director of the USO Colorado Springs. “Our partnership with the Daniels Fund and the SANS Institute enables us to meet our mission and help our veterans build critical skills, find great jobs, and build rewarding careers.”
Interested veterans must demonstrate knowledge application, comprehension and problem solving skills using the SANS CyberTalent Aptitude Assessment and participate in interviews with officials from SANS CyberTalent and partner organizations. Accepted participants will receive industry-leading training and hands-on learning taught by expert SANS faculty.
Graduates earn the associated GIAC certification – recognized and accepted by employers around the world.
Applications will be accepted through Oct. 10, and classes will begin Nov. 6. Graduation is planned for February 2018.
For more information, interested veterans can visit sans.org/cybertalent/immersion-academy or email immersionacademy@sans.org.
