Cyber Workforce Academy - Maryland

Funded by EARN Maryland and the SANS Institute, this academy trains Maryland residents, extending beyond conventional recruitment avenues to take a more sustainable and resilient approach to expanding the cybersecurity workforce. Participants have the opportunity to develop cybersecurity skills, gain hands-on training, and work toward industry-recognized certifications that can help them enter the highly sought-after cybersecurity career field.

Apply for the Next Cyber Workforce Academy - Maryland

The Cyber Workforce Academy – Maryland provides a structured training pathway to help Maryland residents transition into cybersecurity and create new careers in the field. This program offers self-paced, high-quality training through the SANS OnDemand platform, hands-on labs, and the opportunity to earn industry-recognized GIAC certifications. Designed to align with employer needs, the academy equips participants with the skills required to enter and grow in Maryland’s cybersecurity job market.

Academy Schedule

May

May 1, 2025 – Application Window Opens

May

May 30, 2025, at 10 am ET – Application Window Closes

June

June 26, 2025 – Enrollment decisions will be released.

August

August 2025 – Training Starts

Cybersecurity Reskilling Pathway

This cybersecurity training pathway is designed specifically for individuals not currently working in the cybersecurity field, and are interested in launching a cybersecurity career. Focused on cybersecurity aptitude, rather than prior experience and knowledge, applicants can be confident in knowing this program will help to construct a robust cybersecurity foundation to grow a new career.

The first course you take will be SEC275 Foundations & GFACT Certification

The second course you will take is SEC401 Security Essentials & GSEC Certification

The third and final course you will take is SEC504 Incident Handling & GCIH Certification

Our Alumni

Brittany Lashley

"The SANS Cyber Immersion provided me with the chance to prove that I am capable. I don’t have a computer science background, but I have a lot of drive and passion for the field. The GIAC exams are the only exams I have enjoyed taking because I knew that the SANS training was providing me with the skills needed to be successful on the exam and in my future career. - Technical Apprentice at The Boeing Company

Moses Thompson

"My SANS Cyber Immersion Academy experience directly impacted my ability and capacity to learn cybersecurity principles, techniques, tools, and standards. Career-wise, my experience played a major role in obtaining my most recent employment opportunity." - Technical Support Officer at Raytheon

Brian Hennessy

"If you're considering a career in cybersecurity, just do it. Jump in and start consuming information. Embrace the imposter syndrome and just know that your ignorance on a topic can be overcome with time and dedication." - Reporting/Compliance/QA Lead at SAIC

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 less than a year.

View Application Guide

You are NOT eligible for the program if you:

Do not live in or have proof of permanent residency in the state of Maryland
Have been employed in a direct information security role outside of your military service.
Are currently pursuing or hold a master's degree or Ph.D. in information security
Are an active college student

This cybersecurity training pathway is designed specifically for individuals not currently working in the cybersecurity field and are interested in launching a cybersecurity career.

Time Commitment for Students

The Academy is a fast-track, intensive program, and students are expected to complete all coursework and certifications in up to nine months. On average, it takes most SANS Cyber Academy students 150 hours to prepare for one GIAC certification attempt.

Earn Top Ranked Cybersecurity Certifications

Cybersecurity professionals ranked GIAC certifications as the most valued certifications when selecting job candidates for interviews. (Source: cio.org)

Students in our scholarship programs can earn multiple GIAC certifications, including GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) and GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), which were named among the Top Ten Cybersecurity Certifications by Datamation.

Employer Partners

Meet, interview, and potentially hire academy graduates

Non-Profit Partners

Engage in ways ranging from funding and executing their own academy, to helping expand the impact of existing SANS programs with additional resources.