Expanded initiative will train 500 individuals per year through hands-on education to strengthen the nation's frontline cybersecurity workforce
As high-profile threats like Volt Typhoon continue to target U.S. infrastructure, the need for proven, hands-on cyber defenders has never been more urgent. From defending hospitals and utilities to stopping fraud against small businesses, organizations across every sector are seeking professionals with the skills and readiness to respond.
Answering that call, SANS Institute (SANS) today announced a major expansion of its SANS Cyber Academies, tripling the number of fully funded scholarships available to help career changers enter the field so that 500 individuals annually will receive immersive, instructor-led training, GIAC certifications, and direct support launching a cybersecurity career with the help of student advisers and career services specialists.
Founded by the late Alan Paller, SANS has spent decades preparing practitioners not just to understand cybersecurity, but to apply it under pressure in real-world environments. That legacy continues through the SANS Cyber Academies, programs that have already empowered thousands of individuals to protect critical systems. Students learn to implement cybersecurity tools and techniques, develop in-demand skills, and achieve industry certifications that are respected by employers.
“Our founder, Alan Paller, believed that solving cybersecurity challenges starts with training people to act under pressure, not just understand the theory," said Dennis Kirby, Chief Executive Officer at SANS Institute. "This expansion honors that legacy by opening access to the same rigorous training trusted by the world’s most mission-critical organizations. While many programs focus on entry-level access, we focus on identifying individuals with strong aptitude and long-term potential, then equipping them with current, hands-on skills through a proven training model that consistently produces practitioners ready to contribute from day one.”
As threats grow more complex, businesses and governments alike are recognizing the need for practical, hands-on training programs that develop job-ready talent.
"Developing a strong cybersecurity workforce is critical not only for protecting businesses but also for supporting our broader national security and economic interests," said MK Palmore, Director, Office of the Chief Information Security Officer, Google Cloud. "The SANS Cyber Academies are vital in equipping people with the practical skills needed to step into these roles and help defend against today’s persistent threats."
"The cybersecurity workforce skills gap is one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today. Programs like the SANS Cyber Academies are giving people the real-world training and experience that employers need," said Raj Chopra, Senior Vice President, Chief Product Officer for Cisco Security. "We are proud to support efforts that not only create clear career pathways but also bring fresh talent and new perspectives into the cybersecurity field."
The SANS Cyber Academies identify high-potential individuals with demonstrated aptitude and passion for cybersecurity and provide them with the tools they need to succeed. From former teachers and retail workers to military veterans and parents re-entering the workforce, graduates of the program are now fully engaged in cybersecurity roles, defending public and private systems nationwide.
"My experience in this program transformed my career aspirations from a dream to a reality," said Cira Kohler, now a SOC Analyst. "The classes offered the perfect blend of theory and practical skills to build not only a proficiency but a confidence in myself to take my education forward to a future career."
The program is free to participants and built around hands-on skill development. This means students actively practice detecting threats, using cybersecurity tools, and responding to real-world scenarios under guidance from expert instructors. As artificial intelligence rapidly became a transformative force in cybersecurity, SANS moved quickly to integrate AI-focused training into the curriculum. SANS students were already trained to apply AI in threat detection, streamline analysis, and enhance incident response while other, less agile training pathways were catching up. Academy students complete immersive, hands-on training led by SANS instructors and earn GIAC certifications that are trusted across the industry. They also receive individualized career support and direct access to employers ready to hire.
"We have seen individuals with no prior technical background step into roles defending hospitals, utilities, and public systems," added Kirby. "That is what hands-on training unlocks: capability, confidence, and opportunity."
This expansion reinforces the broader workforce strategy outlined by the White House in April, which emphasizes that closing critical skills gaps requires more than awareness. SANS is working closely with dozens of partners across industry, government, and nonprofit sectors, including Google, Cisco, and the Maryland Department of Labor, to extend the reach and impact of the Cyber Academies.
Applications for the next cohort are now open through May 22 here.
Organizations interested in hiring Academy graduates or becoming program sponsors can contact Mission@sans.org.