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Cyber security
What is the best resource for single unemployed black mothers to obtain a grant and start cyber security education?
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Liam’s Answer
So far as a grant for someone of your demographic, I am useless for this answer but I know there is a lot out there for you so please keep trying because you will find something!
I am answering this to reinforce the idea that cybersecurity doesn't rely solely on a degree completion for a career. In fact many people I know in cyber do not have a degree! Look into professional certifications (CompTIA Sec+, CISM, CySA, PenTest+, CEH, etc) to see what they require to complete them, I have found that if a job requires a degree they sometimes still require a professional IT certificate as well.
Cybersecurity as a field is most interested in critical and creative thinking, understanding IT and computing fundamentals, and familiarity with security fundamentals. These are the soft skills that are really going to get you into the job you want! Try to build these skills because just a piece of paper saying you passed a test or course isn't enough to land the job of your dreams.
I gave you two resources in the other post. One will get you hacking and plays like an online video game. The other is a community meet up for professionals where you can watch presentations by really interesting people. I have seen some amazing hacks, investigative works, and general information by people who really know their field! I recommend start by volunteering because its free. Then start to network. Find people on social media and swap info from other people who are at your level or maybe are one step ahead! There are other communities but I really like the feel of Bsides and its an easy way to begin! You can attend Defcon later!
The best piece of advice that I heard about getting into cybersecurity was to become part of the conversation. Know the latest news, talk to people in the biz often, and become part of the community.
I am not discouraging a degree, but right now I know 20 or so young professionals that have a cybersecurity degree and are working other jobs because they are relying on that degree as the only credential for a job. I know someone who came up in a warehouse who solved subnetting problems on cardboard for fun, bombed two or three interviews, then got his first job in a SOC recently because he kept learning and pushing.
A couple of minor mentions. WGU has fairly inexpensive classes and is an online only school, they have cybersecurity degrees. Companies like Amazon and Starbucks have college tuition for their employees and are easy places to get hired. A lot of people I know (and I usually don't recommend this but its a path) have a military background, specifically Air Force and Army. I only mention these options in case you need to work and go to school. If you are at the beginning of your career I would recommend at minimum checking these out. If you have a career already and need to pivot, I would say just look at WGU as a point of reference.
No matter what stick to the path. Learn everything, be creative, and don't give up! There are a ton of free resources online and there is nothing stopping you from getting a trash PC and making it a hacker home lab!
Keep looking for your grant, scholarship, or company that's willing to invest in you!
https://www.professormesser.com/security-plus/sy0-701/sy0-701-video/sy0-701-comptia-security-plus-course/
https://www.youtube.com/live/SEDe7E9ir1Y, https://youtu.be/9HOpanT0GRs, https://youtu.be/5xWnmUEi1Qw, http://www.youtube.com/@comptiaexplore
https://www.dragos.com/blog, https://hub.dragos.com/on-demand/webinar-start-your-journey, https://krebsonsecurity.com, https://doublepulsar.com, https://blog.bushidotoken.net
https://infosec.exchange/@SecurityBSidesGlobal, https://infosec.exchange/@hacks4pancakes, https://cyberplace.social/@GossiTheDog
I am answering this to reinforce the idea that cybersecurity doesn't rely solely on a degree completion for a career. In fact many people I know in cyber do not have a degree! Look into professional certifications (CompTIA Sec+, CISM, CySA, PenTest+, CEH, etc) to see what they require to complete them, I have found that if a job requires a degree they sometimes still require a professional IT certificate as well.
Cybersecurity as a field is most interested in critical and creative thinking, understanding IT and computing fundamentals, and familiarity with security fundamentals. These are the soft skills that are really going to get you into the job you want! Try to build these skills because just a piece of paper saying you passed a test or course isn't enough to land the job of your dreams.
I gave you two resources in the other post. One will get you hacking and plays like an online video game. The other is a community meet up for professionals where you can watch presentations by really interesting people. I have seen some amazing hacks, investigative works, and general information by people who really know their field! I recommend start by volunteering because its free. Then start to network. Find people on social media and swap info from other people who are at your level or maybe are one step ahead! There are other communities but I really like the feel of Bsides and its an easy way to begin! You can attend Defcon later!
The best piece of advice that I heard about getting into cybersecurity was to become part of the conversation. Know the latest news, talk to people in the biz often, and become part of the community.
I am not discouraging a degree, but right now I know 20 or so young professionals that have a cybersecurity degree and are working other jobs because they are relying on that degree as the only credential for a job. I know someone who came up in a warehouse who solved subnetting problems on cardboard for fun, bombed two or three interviews, then got his first job in a SOC recently because he kept learning and pushing.
A couple of minor mentions. WGU has fairly inexpensive classes and is an online only school, they have cybersecurity degrees. Companies like Amazon and Starbucks have college tuition for their employees and are easy places to get hired. A lot of people I know (and I usually don't recommend this but its a path) have a military background, specifically Air Force and Army. I only mention these options in case you need to work and go to school. If you are at the beginning of your career I would recommend at minimum checking these out. If you have a career already and need to pivot, I would say just look at WGU as a point of reference.
No matter what stick to the path. Learn everything, be creative, and don't give up! There are a ton of free resources online and there is nothing stopping you from getting a trash PC and making it a hacker home lab!
Keep looking for your grant, scholarship, or company that's willing to invest in you!
Liam recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Anuj’s Answer
The single best targeted resource is **BlackGirlsHack (BGH)**, a non-profit offering free or low-cost cybersecurity training, study groups, and direct certification scholarships.
Additionally, **Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS)** provides comprehensive training scholarships (partnered with the SANS Institute) that transition beginners into the job market within 18 months.
For financial living support while studying, you can also apply for the **Patsy Takemoto Mink Foundation grant**, which provides up to $5,000 specifically for low-income single mothers pursuing education.
Additionally, **Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS)** provides comprehensive training scholarships (partnered with the SANS Institute) that transition beginners into the job market within 18 months.
For financial living support while studying, you can also apply for the **Patsy Takemoto Mink Foundation grant**, which provides up to $5,000 specifically for low-income single mothers pursuing education.