Optiv Opens Applications for $10K Scholarship for STEM Students of Black, African American Descent
Optiv, the front-running advisory and solutions company in cybersecurity, is inviting applications for its esteemed annual scholarship worth $10,000. This scholarship is targeted at students who identify as Black or African American and are pursuing studies in STEM fields – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The announcement came on February 21, 2024, marking another step in Optiv’s continuous effort to champion diversity in the cyber and information security sectors. The application window remains open until May 15, providing ample opportunity for interested students to apply.
The scholarship is a brainchild of the Optiv Black Employee Network (BEN), a group dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the company and the broader cybersecurity ecosystem. It is intended as a one-time financial boon to the selected recipient, contributing significantly to their educational expenses. Through these scholarships, Optiv reaffirms its commitment to fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment within the tech industry. One of the previous beneficiaries, AJ McCrory from James Madison University, showcases the impactful opportunities these funds can provide to aspiring professionals.
Eligible applicants for the scholarship need to demonstrate not only their identity as Black or African American but also their enrolment in a STEM-related field of study. For detailed information regarding the qualifications and the application process, prospects are advised to visit the official Optiv scholarship page.
Reflecting on the significance of the scholarship, last year’s awardee, Bukoye, shared, “I am extremely thankful for Optiv’s Black Employee Network scholarship. It’s been a pivotal milestone in propelling my journey through undergraduate studies and realizing my dreams of working in cybersecurity.” This sentiment underscores the profound impact such financial support can have on an individual’s academic and professional trajectory.
Ben Wilson, BEN co-lead, highlighted the broader goals of the scholarship, stating, “This scholarship gives us an opportunity to foster the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. In addition to helping close the talent gap within the industry, this is an opportunity to advance the unique ideas and diverse perspectives that are critical in the complex and evolving threat landscape.” Wilson’s comments reflect Optiv’s ethos of embracing diverse perspectives, ideas, backgrounds, and experiences—principles that are celebrated through the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and specifically through employee resource groups like BEN.
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About Optiv
Optiv stands as the cyber advisory and solutions trailblazer, delivering comprehensive strategic and technical expertise to nearly 6,000 companies across diverse industries worldwide. The company prides itself on partnering with organizations to offer advisement, deployment, and operation of complete cybersecurity programs. By placing clients at the center of an unparalleled ecosystem consisting of people, products, partners, and programs, Optiv uniquely accelerates business progress like no other firm. With the creed, “Secure greatness.®”, Optiv manages cyber risk, enabling clients to unlock their full potential. For an in-depth exploration of Optiv’s services and solutions, visit their website.
