Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship

The US has a cybersecurity workforce shortage of nearly 700,000 trained professionals, yet only 3% of US students attain a credential in computer and information sciences and far fewer specialize in cybersecurity. ​The Last Mile Education Fund and Microsoft are working together to address the talent shortages in the cybersecurity workforce by investing in students like you.

The Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program supports community college degree and industry certificate completion through financial assistance (up to $500) and subsidies for cybersecurity certification exam costs (up to $375). Financial assistance is intended to cover short-term basic needs, such as food, rent, health-related, transportation/car issues, and/or a laptop/device.

This opportunity is open to all academic classifications for students enrolled in a U.S. community college who are pursuing a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or cyber-adjacent degrees such as information technology, computer science, data systems, etc. Students also receive access to LinkedIn Premium, GitHub Global Campus and Global Mentors Initiative.

We do accept dual enrollment for high school students also attending community college, however, all applicants must be at least 18 years of age to qualify for any funding from Last Mile Education Fund.

To be eligible students must:

1. Meet Last Mile’s standard eligibility criteria listed on the Apply page.

1. Be currently enrolled in a United States community college, or

1. Be pursuing a bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, or certification. Students enrolled in bootcamp programs qualify as well.

1. Enrolled in a cybersecurity or other technology-related program (see below)

1. Be at least 18 years old at the time of applying

What kind of assistance is available?

1. One-time, financial assistance of up to $500 ($500 is the maximum amount)

1. Funds awarded may be used to cover the cost of certification licensing exams, school-related expenses, career preparation or networking opportunities and resources, and other basic needs.

1. A FREE 1-year subscription to LinkedIn Premium.

1. Access to local GitHub sponsored events and GitHub Education benefits, including the Student Developer Pack.

1. Global Mentors Initiative (open to everyone regardless of application status)