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?
Train: Free access to train with the world-renowned CyberStart game. Explore over 200 unique security challenges and learn with an extensive field manual featuring video demos!
Win: Top-scoring eligible players will be invited to apply for cyber training scholarships worth $3,000, and could go on to win further training and certification worth $18,000.
Master: Gain desirable and fundamental skills you won't learn in college, plus valuable industry connections, via the Cyber Foundations Academy.
Get hired: Use your newfound skills, certifications, experience, and connections to propel yourself into the career you choose.
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?
Training doesn't get more fun than this! Step up, crack codes, find security flaws and dissect criminals' digital trails in the hands-on training platform loved by over 200k students! From binary to programming, you'll develop skills by playing fun challenges designed and 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.
Win life-changing college scholarships for cybersecurity training by showcasing your growth, enthusiasm and determination as you play through the CyberStart challenges. Visit the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation website for more information on the scholarship opportunities available in 2022.
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).
Accelerate your path to the cybersecurity industry with hands-on technical training, industry-recognized GIAC certification, and interactive sessions with world-class instructors and experts! You'll learn the fundamentals in computer hardware, cloud computing, Linux, networking and much more!
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.
By the end of the program, you will have the foundational skills, training and certificates to secure an entry-level role in the 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 dream role!
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 2021 opens:
Oct 27 2021
Train with CyberStart between:
Oct 27 2021 to Apr 27 2022
Top players invited to apply for scholarships:
Apr 29 2022
Scholarship application deadline:
May 13 2022
Scholarship winners announced:
Jun 1 2022
Cyber Foundations Academy:
Jun 1 2022 to Sep 30 2022
Deadline to complete GFACT exam to qualify for further scholarship opportunities:
Sep 30 2022
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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