Cyber Culture sponsored a $1000 scholarship to directly support the next generation of diverse cybersecurity leaders.

Out of several applications, Rickey Thomas III was chosen as the winner of the 2025 Cyber Culture Scholarship. A student at Talladega College, a HBCU in Alabama, Rickey’s application essay clearly showed the impact he hopes to have by being in the cybersecurity industry.

Read the following excerpt from his application submission:

“I don’t just want to have a job in cybersecurity. I want to lead, to serve and to make a difference. That’s the legacy I hope to leave - not just for myself, but for the communities I represent and the generations that follow.”

Cyber Culture is proud to have a small part in helping to make cybersecurity more inclusive and equitable.