Denver, Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Optiv, a leading cyber advisory and solutions company, has announced that they are currently accepting applications for their annual $10,000 scholarship aimed at Black, African American identifying STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) students. The deadline for applications is set for May 15.
The initiative, led by Optiv’s Black Employee Network (BEN), aims to promote diversity within the cyber and information security fields. Previous recipients of the scholarship include AJ McCrory from James Madison University, Lauren Harris from Princeton University, and Shemi Bukoye from North Carolina A&T.
In order to be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must meet a set of qualifications. They must be graduating high school seniors who have been accepted into a STEM-related degree program, with a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Additionally, applicants must be planning a career in cybersecurity/information security, complete the scholarship application which includes a one-page essay and two letters of reference, and identify as Black and/or African American while being a U.S. Citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident.
Last year’s scholarship recipient, Shemi Bukoye, expressed gratitude for the support received from Optiv’s Black Employee Network, stating that it has been instrumental in propelling their journey through undergraduate studies and towards their dreams of working in cybersecurity.
According to Ben Wilson, BEN co-lead, the scholarship represents an opportunity to cultivate the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. He emphasized that by helping to close the talent gap within the industry, the initiative also fosters diverse perspectives that are essential in addressing the complex and evolving threat landscape.
Optiv is dedicated to celebrating and embracing diverse perspectives, ideas, backgrounds, and experiences of its employees. This commitment is reflected in the company’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, as evidenced by the employee resource groups like BEN.
For the most up-to-date news and updates from Optiv, individuals are encouraged to visit their official website and follow them on social media platforms including Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. They can also access insightful content on the Optiv blog.
Optiv, known for its motto “Secure greatness.®”, stands as a leader in cyber advisory and solutions, providing strategic and technical expertise to a wide range of companies across various industries. By partnering with organizations to advise, deploy, and operate comprehensive cybersecurity programs, Optiv helps clients manage cyber risk effectively and secure their full potential.
To learn more about Optiv and their services, please visit their website at www.optiv.com.