SANS Institute Turbocharges Cybersecurity Training, Expands Scholarships for Future Experts

SANS Institute Turbocharges Cybersecurity Training, Expands Scholarships for Future Experts

At a glance

• Expansion of Scholarships: SANS Institute plans to triple its fully funded Cyber Academy scholarships by 2026.
• Focus on Diversity: The program is free and merit-based, open to people from many backgrounds, including career changers.
• Boosting Workforce: SANS ties the move to rising threats against U.S. infrastructure and a shortage of skilled defenders.
• Partnerships and Collaborations: Academies run with partners to train and place students.
• Innovative Training Methods: Training is hands-on and instructor-led, with GIAC certifications included.

SANS bets on more scholarships

Attacks on U.S. infrastructure keep growing, and there still aren’t enough trained defenders. In May 2025, the SANS Institute, a major provider of security training and certifications, said it will triple its fully funded Cyber Academy scholarships by 2026. The goal is to train about 500 people a year.

Tripling the academy

The SANS Cyber Academy covers the cost of training for people trying to break into the field. Students get hands-on, instructor-led courses, GIAC certifications and career support. Tripling the program means far more people can get top-tier training without paying for it, which matters when the skills gap is so wide.

Who can apply

The scholarships are merit-based and open to people from many backgrounds, including women, minorities and other underrepresented groups. More varied teams bring more ways of seeing a problem.

Why the workforce needs it

Threats are getting more complex. Employers still struggle to hire people who can stop them, and SANS is betting that a bigger pipeline of trained, certified newcomers will help close that gap.

Partners help place graduates

SANS runs its academies with partners from industry and education. Those partnerships help match the training to what employers need, and give graduates a path into real jobs.

Learning by doing

SANS training is built around hands-on labs and exercises. Students practice on realistic systems. That’s the point, because employers want people who can do the work on day one.

What it means for new defenders

Tripling the Cyber Academy by 2026 is a big step for a single training provider. For people who want into security but can’t afford expensive courses, it’s a real opening. For employers, it means more certified candidates. Applications for each cohort open on the SANS website.

John King, CISSP, PMP, CISM

John King currently works in the greater Los Angeles area as a ISSO (Information Systems Security Officer). John has a passion for learning and developing his cyber security skills through education, hands on work, and studying for IT certifications.