Find a Rewarding Career in Cybersecurity
There is a shortage of cybersecurity talent and the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow. In 2016, there were 348,640 cybersecurity jobs left unfilled because organizations could not find talent with the right skill sets. To help fill the skills gap, the SANS Institute created the SANS CyberTalent Immersion Academy, an intensive, accelerated training program that provides SANS world class training and GIAC certifications to quickly and effectively launch careers in cybersecurity.
SANS CyberTalent Immersion Academies are 100% scholarship-based and no cost to participants. Academies are offered throughout the year in a variety of learning formats. There are several types of Immersion Academies:
- VetSuccess - open to transitioning veterans and those transitioned in the last five years and not currently working in cybersecurity in a civilian role. Military spouses are eligible for select Academies. Click here to learn more.
- Women's Academy - this Academy is open to career-changers and college seniors with a background in IT, but not currently working in cybersecurity roles. Click here to learn more.
- Cyber Workforce Academy - these Academies are made possible by grants, sponsors and organizations looking to hire cybersecurity talent or help advance the field by bringing in new talent. Academy eligibility requirements and curricula will be based on the specific focus and needs of the sponsors. Click here for more information.
- Diversity Cyber Academy - SANS and International Consortium of Minority Cybersecurity Professionals (ICMCP) are partnering to create the SANS - ICMCP: Diversity Cyber Academy - DCA, combining efforts to increase the career opportunities for minorities and women in the cybersecurity field. Click here for more information.
Applicants may only apply to one open Academy at a time. Multiple applications will not be accepted. Please review the eligibility qualifications for each Academy before applying.
The opportunity to earn industry-recognized SANS/GIAC certification is an unparalleled benefit. Employers really take notice. And of course, the people. I made long-lasting friendships with wonderful women in my SANS Academy class. I still speak with many of them today. It was an unexpected but welcome outcome.
Carlota Bindner Security Associate Rapid7
The instructors were amazingly talented. Their level of expertise and real-world experience was incredible. The SANS instructors spend most of their time doing the 'real thing'. It was a relief having access to these professionals to help guide my transition into cyber security.
Gregory Hatcher Information Security Consultant VDA Labs
2021 Immersion Academy Schedule
You can build your cybersecurity skills by visiting CyberAces Online. This free online course is designed for anyone with an interest in learning more about making online information more secure, this course teaches the core concepts needed to understand, assess, and protect information security systems.
If you do not meet the Immersion Academy requirements, check out the SANS Technology Institute's Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity (ACS). This program is designed for people who want to join the cyber workforce - whether you're about to finish your associate degree, you're in a 4-year college program or a theory-based master's degree program, or you're a mid-career professional who wants to transition into cybersecurity.
| Academy | Applications Open | Applications Close |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber Workforce Academy | Ongoing | Ongoing |
| Diversity Cyber Workforce Academy - California | October 1, 2020 | February 26, 2021 |
| VetSuccess Academy 2021 | November 11, 2020 | Closed |
| Diversity Cyber Academy 2021 | February 1, 2021 | May 28, 2021 |
| Women's Immersion Academy 2021 | March 1, 2021 | June 30, 2021 |
If you have questions, please contact us at immersionacademy@sans.org.
