Simplifying and accelerating the path to a cybersecurity career for college students
Cyber FastTrack puts you on the quickest and most cost-effective path to a well-paid and in-demand career - whatever your starting point!
Alan Paller Memorial Scholarship Fund created by NCSF's Board of Directors
Cyber FastTrack puts you on the quickest and most cost-effective path to a well-paid and in-demand career - whatever your starting point!
Fun, practical, real-world training
"I always had a misconception that cybersecurity is boring, but I was wrong. After starting my training with Cyber FastTrack, it blew my mind!"
Enjoyable learning
"I enjoyed Cyber FastTrack training more than video games. I learned so much, and it opened my eyes that anyone can get better at cybersecurity."
Huge prizes and college support
"I was elated to receive a scholarship because I knew this was another step forward in my journey toward becoming a cybersecurity professional!"
01 | What is Cyber FastTrack?
Routes into a cybersecurity career can feel unclear - not with Cyber FastTrack.
Yearn to clear your student debt? Land a rewarding career that will help you pay off your student loans in no time.
Learn real cybersecurity skills that can help you graduate with an advantage over your peers, and fast-track your way into the tech industry.
Earn a scholarship and industry-recognized accreditations to help you stand out to prospective employers.
Any college student in the US is invited to train and compete in the Cyber FastTrack program. More information on who is eligible for each of the prizes in this program can be found here.
02 | How does Cyber FastTrack work?
Skyrocket your real-world experience as you train across 200+ realistic cybersecurity scenarios in CyberStart.
It's time to ditch the textbooks and start learning the practical skills employers want to see! Crack codes, find security flaws and dissect criminals' digital trails in CyberStart's hands-on training platform, all at your own pace. From binary to programming, you'll develop real skills by training using fun challenges built by an expert team of security professionals.
Kobe
"I was passionate about trying out if cybersecurity was right for me and participating in the Cyber FastTrack program was the nudge I needed to pursue the career more!"
No textbooks or lectures, just fun, online challenges.
Learn both offensive and defensive security skills.
Helpful Field Manual and hints when you're stuck.
Perfect for beginners through to the advanced.
Land scholarships towards world-class training through the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation.
Win life-changing college scholarships for cybersecurity training by showcasing your growth and determination as you play through the CyberStart challenges. Visit the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation website for more information on this year's scholarship opportunities.
Andrew
"I'm ecstatic about winning a scholarship. In the cybersecurity field, I have a large amount of imposter syndrome as I feel I don't know enough or can't keep up with the field. Winning these prizes helped me realize I do have the fundamentals, and with the prizes I can grow my skillset and gain an edge on cybersecurity as a whole."
Top scorers will be invited to apply for a $3000 scholarship to cover SANS Foundations and the GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies (GFACT) certification.
1000 scholarships will be available to the highest-scoring eligible players, subject to a minimum score of 20,000 points in CyberStart.
Top performers in the GFACT exam will be invited to apply for scholarships to cover additional SANS courses, including the Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Cybersecurity (ACS).
Get certified and build a skillset desired by employers at the Cyber Foundations Academy.
Accelerate your cybersecurity career-path with hands-on technical training, an industry-recognized GIAC certification, and interactive sessions with world-class instructors and experts. You'll learn the fundamentals of computer hardware, cloud computing, Linux, networking and many more desirable cyber skills.
Patrycja
"I feel that I finally can 'master' the skills and knowledge that are a foundation for cybersecurity."
Hands-on lab experience.
Video tutorials and industry stories presented by SANS CTO James Lyne.
Quizzes to consolidate learning outcomes.
Workshops and webinars with keynote speakers and experts in the field.
Final exam delivered by GIAC.
Gain comprehensive experience and industry connections to get your foot in the door to your dream role.
By the end of the program, you will have the foundational skills, training and certificates to secure an entry-level role in any cyber-related field. Plus, throughout the program, you'll engage with industry experts, professionals, and learn from students already in internships or on the path to industry. Gain advice, industry insights and the opportunity to connect with CIOs and cybersecurity businesses to secure your perfect role ahead of your peers!
Loveona
"Receiving the Cyber FastTrack scholarship has fundamentally changed my future. I have completed my first certifications and I now have more experience and knowledge to back up my resume. I feel like I am on my way to a great future!"
Loveona has earned internships with the U.S. State Department and a Fortune 500 company since winning the CFT scholarship and completing STI’s undergraduate certificate program.
03 | What are the key dates?
Registration for 2022 opens:
Oct 4 2022
Train with CyberStart between:
Oct 4 2022 to Apr 4 2023
Top players invited to apply for scholarships:
Apr 6 2023
Scholarship application deadline:
Apr 20 2023
Scholarship winners announced:
May 10 2023
Cyber Foundations Academy:
Jun 1 2023 to Sep 30 2023
Deadline to complete GFACT exam to qualify for further scholarship opportunities:
Sep 30 2023
If you require any help or further information send us an email and we'll be happy to help.
Can't find what you are looking for? We may have the answers to some of your questions over in our knowledge base.
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