Cyber Culture Scholarship

Cyber Culture is committed to investing in students who will shape the future of security. The Cyber Culture Scholarship was established to empower and support the next generation of diverse cybersecurity leaders. This annual scholarship aims to reduce barriers to entry for students from historically underrepresented and under-resourced communities pursuing cybersecurity careers.

Apply Here by June 1, 2026

  • Two (2) students will be selected to each receive a $1,250 scholarship award.

  • Applicants must meet the following criteria:

    • Be currently enrolled as a college undergraduate or graduate student in a U.S. accredited institution

    • Major in one of the following fields:

      • Cybersecurity

      • Information Assurance

      • Information Science

    • Identify as part of a historically underrepresented and/or under-resourced community

    • Have a minimum GPA of 3.5

  • To be considered, applicants must submit:

    • Completed application form

    • One (1) letter of recommendation

    • Academic transcript (official or unofficial)

    • Personal essay (see prompt below)

  • Cybersecurity has traditionally relied on human judgment augmented by technical tools. The integration of increasingly autonomous AI systems is beginning to reshape that relationship, introducing new capabilities alongside new uncertainties.

    Critically evaluate this shift. How is increasing autonomy in cybersecurity systems redefining the balance between control, efficiency, and risk? In what ways might this evolution strengthen or weaken organizational resilience?

    In your response, consider technical, ethical, and strategic dimensions, and discuss the key tensions or trade-offs organizations must navigate as these systems become more autonomous. Support your analysis with relevant examples.

Past Winners

Alex Umeasalugo
Grambling State University

In his first year at Grambling State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Alex made a significant impact on campus. He was selected for the Bloomberg Engineering Accelerator, Salesforce Futureforce Tech Accelerator and became a Goldman Sachs Possibilities Fellow and Lantern Network Fellow, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Aside from his accomplishments, his dedication creating diversity and inclusion in the tech industry was why he was selected as a 2026 Cyber Culture Scholarship recipient.

Hayun Jung
University of Massachusetts

Hayun Jung is majoring in Mathematics and Computer Science with the goal of working in the cybersecurity industry. On campus she has served as President of her campus chapter of Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) and later transitioned into a Senior Advisor role.

Rickey Thomas III
Talladega College

Out of several applications, Rickey Thomas III was chosen as the winner of the 2025 Cyber Culture Scholarship. A student at Talladega College, a Historically Black College and University (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.”