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SANS Cyber Immersion Academies

To help reduce the cybersecurity labor shortage, the SANS Institute launched the Cyber Immersion Academy programs. Accelerated, intensive, technical training and mentorship in cybersecurity prepares students to pass multiple industry-recognized certification exams in six months.
SANS Academy ProgramsPartner ProgramsNumbers at a GlanceHow it WorksLeadership SummitScholarship Academy ScheduleScholarship GuideNews

Get Training and Certification to Launch a New Career in Cybersecurity

100% scholarship-based, our four academy types cost nothing for participants. Look below for a schedule of the enrollment periods for each.
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VetSuccess Academy
Open to transitioning veterans and those transitioned in the last ten years and not currently working in cybersecurity in a civilian role.
VetSuccess
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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.
Cyber Workforce Academy
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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.
Women's Academy
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HBCU Academy
The SANS - HBCU Cyber Academy was founded to provide talented scholars from Historically Black Colleges and Universities with free access to industry-leading cybersecurity training and certifications.
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Cyber Diversity Academy
SANS and Cyversity are partnering to create the SANS Cyber Diversity Academy - CDA, combining efforts to increase career opportunities for minorities and women in the cybersecurity field.
Cyber Diversity Academy
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Virginia Cyber Skills Academy
This regional academy was created to help reduce the impact of covid-19 on residents of Northern Virginia. Scholarships for the program are funded by incoming contributions from organizations and state-funded grants.

SANS Academy - Partner Programs

These partner programs offer the same top-notch SANS training and certifications, the only difference is here our external partners operate these accelerated cybersecurity training programs that are aligned with both of our missions.
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Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst SANS CTF
If you’re new to cyber security, this introductory CTF is a great place to start -- you’ll be surprised at how much you learn as you solve challenges using the integrated hint system. If you have some experience with CTF, you’ll be surprised at how much fun you have applying your knowledge and picking up some new cool tricks along the way. This is an online-only event for 18+-year-old residents of Canada interested in pivoting to cybersecurity as a career.
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SANS-SD Leadership Academy
There are three program options for women and other underrepresented genders to pursue SANS GIAC certification focused on leadership in cybersecurity. - Transformational Cyber Leader - Operational Cyber Executive - Cloud Security Leader Applicants must be at least 18 years old, US-based, and have at least three years in a cybersecurity job.
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WiCyS Security Training Scholarship
The WiCyS Security Training Scholarship made possible by Google, Bloomberg and Facebook is a multi-staged scholarship opportunity for WiCyS members. Those selected will participate in a reliable pathway to launch and advance in their cybersecurity careers through skills development. The focus of this scholarship is to award WiCyS members who are seeking cybersecurity employment within the next 1.5 years. The program is designed for students and/or career changers!
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Numbers at a Glance

90%
Graduates land new jobs in cybersecurity with a 90% success rate within 6 months of program completion.
1650+
SANS Mission based program scholarships have funded internally and externally across the globe to bring more talent into the cybersecurity industry.
$90k
The average salary of program graduates is $90,000
Application and Academy Roadmap

Step by Step Information on the Application Process

Learn more about the application process and how the academy helps launch your new cybersecurity career in six months.

For questions about the SANS Cyber Immersion Academies, applications, or process please contact academies@sans.org.

View Roadmap

Alumni Feedback

SANS Cyber Immersion Academy was the best way to accelerate my cyber career and get my foot in the door. The resources provided and personnel exceed my expectation. They were very professional and easy to work with.
Irving Rangel
Cyber Analyst - COLSA
SANS Academy allowed me to gain knowledge in a new career area I couldn't have afforded myself. Also, its (SANS Cyber Academy) receptions with employers landed me my first job in cyber security.
Amy Riley
Mid Cyber Security Engineer - Iron Vine Security
The Cyber Workforce MD program gave me added clout of having sought-after certifications that are highly respected in the industry. Also, they fulfill DoD benchmarks for highly desirable positions.
James Schultz
Cyber Engineer - CACI
I can say with absolute confidence that I couldn’t have made the career switch if I hadn’t taken SANS courses. Taking the courses provided me the knowledge necessary to land a job in cybersecurity.
Hanan Saleh
Detection and Response Analyst - Rapid7
    2022 SANS Cybersecurity Leadership Summit Info

    SANS Cybersecurity Leadership Summit & Training 2022

    DC Metro & Free Live Online
    Summit: Sep 16
    Courses: Sep 14-15 & Sep 19-23

    To succeed as a cybersecurity leader, you need both technical knowledge and management skills to communicate effectively with key stakeholders, gain the respect of technical teams, and align your security initiatives with business objectives. Join other CISOs, managers, and leaders, to learn how to protect your organization's assets from ever-evolving threats.

    Learn More

    2022 Immersion Academy Schedule

    AcademyApplications OpenApplications Close

    Cyber Workforce Academy Maryland

    		June 1, 2022July 15, 2022

    Virginia Cyber Skills Academies

    		ClosedClosed

    VetSuccess Academy 2022

    		May 16, 2022June 17, 2022

    Diversity Cyber Academy 2022

    		April 11, 2022

    May 13, 2022

    Women's Immersion Academy 2022

    		March 7, 2022

    April 15, 2022

    HBCU Cyber Academy 2022January 17, 2022March 1, 2022
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    "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 at Rapid7
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    Read About the Academy Program

    Learn more about our immersion academy scholarship partners, the graduates of our academies, and the jobs they've secured after graduation in this academy report.

    Download Scholarship Guide
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    View the latest news about SANS Cyber Academies

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