Free Cybersecurity Training and Certification for Local Veterans

SAN DIEGO, California, June 13, 2017– San Diego’s military and intelligence communities, industry, academia and government seek to strategically position the city as a leader in cybersecurity. Against this backdrop, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), through its Onward to Opportunity (O2O) program in San Diego, has announced a collaboration with the SANS Institute ‒ the global leader in information security training and certification. IVFM and SANS are bringing theSANS VetSuccess Immersion Academy to veterans living in the San Diego region. This accelerated training program is designed to provide transitioning veterans with a fast track to certification and employment in the cybersecurity industry.

This three to four month program offers intense immersion training for area veterans with an interest and aptitude for cybersecurity. The Academy is free to qualified candidates and is valued at up to $22,500 per participant depending on curriculum selected. Applications are being accepted now through July 7, 2017. The first course will be held at the Courtyard San Diego Sorrento Valley. The remaining courses will be conducted online.

“One of the greatest threats to information security is the dramatic shortage of cyber talent in the U.S. and around the globe,” explained Max Shuftan, Director of CyberTalent Solutions, SANS Institute. “Veterans bring a unique set of skills making them well-suited for cybersecurity jobs. Their training, discipline and integrity are exactly what are required to succeed in the field. We are thrilled to work with IVMF to offer our transitioning military men and women the best cybersecurity training available. We want to honor our veterans’ service with a program to help them develop technical skills, find great jobs,
and build rewarding careers.”

“We are so pleased to provide transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses with the opportunity to develop valuable skills, fill critical jobs, and build rewarding careers in such an important and high growth industry,” said Ab Maldonado, Program Manager, Onward to Opportunity San Diego, a program of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families. “The opportunity to partner with a leading training organization such as SANS Institute helps us empower our participants with the skills, training and certifications to succeed in the civilian workforce.”

Accepted participants will receive industry-leading curriculum and hands-on learning taught by expert SANS faculty. Graduates earn GIAC certifications – recognized by employers around the world. SANS, using its professional and corporate network developed over the past 25 years, will coordinate introductions between program graduates and leading employers throughout the state and the country.

Applicants must qualify by demonstrating aptitude and foundational skills using the SANS CyberTalent Enhanced Assessment and participate in interviews with SANS staff. Interested veterans can visit sans.org/cybertalent/immersion-academy to view additional program eligibility requirements.
Key dates:

Applications due: July 7, 2017

Courses begin: August 21, 2017

Graduation: December 2017

For more information, interested veterans can email immersionacademy@sans.org.