Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program

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 committed to making cybersecurity a viable career path for everyone.

Creating a safer online world requires all of us—from every background—to bring to this mission the diverse skills, perspectives, and life experiences we each embody to defeat tomorrow’s cyberthreats. This partnership launched in October 2021 and has already made a huge impact in over a thousand lives.

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

Help Us Spread The Word!

This toolkit contains promotional materials for institutions and partners to share this funding opportunity with students. The Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program aims to create a more diverse cybersecurity workforce.

Below you will find downloadable shareables for social media, email, newsletters and flyers. Please tweak these materials to meet the needs of your audience. 


SOCIAL MEDIA GRAPHICS

Please share any of the following graphics on your preferred social media platform. Simply click on any image to download and pair with one of the social media captions below.

SOCIAL MEDIA CAPTIONS

Are you a community college student pursuing a career in cybersecurity? The Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program can help cover your expenses and give you access to premium tools. Apply now at http://bit.ly/3JYLULt #SecureYourFuture #CyberDefender

Need financial aid for basic needs or certification exams in cybersecurity? The Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program has got you covered! Follow @LastMileFund and learn more at http://bit.ly/3JYLULt #SecureYourFuture #CyberDefender

Pursuing a career in cybersecurity? The Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program can help you achieve your goals with grants of $500 for basic needs and subsidies of up to $375 for certification exams. Apply now at http://bit.ly/3JYLULt #SecureYourFuture #CyberDefender

Community college students, don't miss out on this opportunity to receive financial support and access to premium tools for your cybersecurity education. Apply for the Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program now! Follow @LastMileFund and learn more at http://bit.ly/3JYLULt #SecureYourFuture #CyberDefender

Attention all community college students! The Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program is now accepting applications. If you're in a cybersecurity program, apply now and receive funding for basic needs and certification exams, as well as free access to premium tools. Apply now at http://bit.ly/3JYLULt #SecureYourFuture #CyberDefender

EMAIL/NEWSLETTER TEMPLATES

Template #1

Subject: Secure Your Future! Cash Assistance for Cybersecurity Students 

Body: 

Are you worried about financial hurdles that might derail your plans for graduation? Have you hit a bump in the road?

The Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program, powered by Last Mile, supports community college students in a cybersecurity pathway (any program such as IT, Information Security, Networking, etc. qualifies) through grants of $500 to cover short-term basic needs, such as food, rent, health-related, transportation/car issues, and/or a laptop/device.  

This program also offers subsidies for cybersecurity certification exam costs of up to $375. In addition to funding, all grantees will receive a year of LinkedIn Premium and access to the Github Developer tools for free.  

Apply today at www.lastmile-ed.org/microsoftcybersecurityscholarship  

Template #2

Subject: Grants Available Now! 

Body:

Are you worried about financial hurdles that might derail your graduation? Have you hit a bump in the road?

The Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program, powered by Last Mile, supports community college degree and industry certificate completion through scholarships (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.  

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. In addition to funding, all grantees will receive a year of LinkedIn Premium and access to the Github Developer tools for free.  

You should apply If you are: 

  • Currently enrolled at a 2-yr institution 

  • Pursuing a cybersecurity pathway (including certificates in IT, networking, information security, etc) 

  • In financial need (as demonstrated by pell grant status or a financial aid letter) 

Yes this is real. No strings attached, no paying back, and no GPA minimum!

You can learn more and apply at www.lastmile-ed.org/microsoftcybersecurityscholarship

PRINTABLES

Please share the following one-pagers with your students, fellow colleagues and/or partners. Click on any image to download. 

Thank You!  

For sharing this information with your circle and being a positive force in the next generation’s career trajectory.