The SANS Institute announced that in collaboration with Rapply Point 6 (RP/6) and the United Service Organization (USO) it will offer a fully scholarship-based cybersecurity training program to Colorado Springs, Colo,. as part of the VetSuccess Academy, the organization said Aug. 26.
The SANS VetSuccess Academy currently provides advanced technical training, industry-recognized GIAC certifications, and connections to cybersecurity employers to transitioning veterans and active duty military spouses.
Under the new cybersecurity training program, eligible participants will complete a qualifying assessment and, based on the results, may be invited to submit a full application and interview. Courses are set to start on Oct. 24 in Colorado Springs. The application process is currently open and the final due date to request the exam is Sept. 30.
The SANS Institute is a cooperative research and education organization founded in 1989. It is the largest provider of cybersecurity training and certification to professionals in international governments and commercial institutions.
GIAC is an affiliate of SANS, which validates employee qualifications in 30 technical certifications in information security.
RP/6 is a Washington State-based nonprofit founded by military veterans that seeks to connect military service members, veterans, and their families to community organizations to help meet their future needs.
The academy cyber program includes three SANS Institute training courses and after completion of each course participants will take the associated GIAC exam before the following course. The first two courses are SANS Security Essentials Bootcamp Style and also Hacker Tools, Techniques, Exploits and Incident Handling. The third course is then chosen from five electives: Windows Forensic Analysis; Advanced Security Essentials – Enterprise Defender; Intrusion Detection In-Depth; Web App Penetatrion Testing and Ethical Hacking; and Network Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking.
“We hear time and again from our employer partners that they want the integrity and motivation veterans bring to the job. We are so excited to connect Colorado Springs’ transitioning service members who have those skills in abundance to the best cybersecurity training available thanks to the SANS Institute and the USO,” Anne Sprute, founder and CEO of RP/6, said in a statement.
“In an effort to find new talent to meet the rapidly growing needs in cybersecurity, we believe transitioning veterans are ready to fill the gap and are proud to partner with RP/6 and the USO to provide transitioning service members with valuable skills and a solid career path,” Max Shuftan, business development manager of SANS CyberTalent, said.
“Our VetSuccess Program has been very successful to date and we are pleased to help employers find great new employees with the skills they require,” he added.