Microsoft and Last Mile - building equitable pathways to cybersecurity careers
 
Microsoft LinkedIn GitHub logos

Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program

Powered by Last Mile Education Fund

Are you a faculty member or community member who would like to recommend a cybersecurity student? Please click here.

Download a flyer to share with interested students.

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 diversity and 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.

  • Who is eligible to apply? To be eligible students must:

    • Currently reside in the United States 

    • Be currently enrolled in a United States community college, or 

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

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

    • Be at least 18 years old at the time of applying 

    • Be a U.S. citizen, international student, undocumented, or DACA student with an assigned social security or ITIN number.

    • Be able to demonstrate financial need on the application 

    All students with financial need are eligible to apply. Students from groups who are underrepresented in cybersecurity are especially encouraged to apply, including those who identify as women, non-binary, and/or Black/LatinX/Indigenous, veterans, and/or have a disability.

    • Cybersecurity 

    • Cyber Defense 

    • Network Security 

    • Digital Forensics 

    • Ethical Hacking 

    • Artificial Intelligence 

    • App Development 

    • Cloud Security 

    • Cloud Computing 

    • Cloud Infrastructure 

    • Computer Engineering 

    • Computer Science 

    • Computer Programming 

    • Computer Information Systems 

    • Database Technology 

    • Database Management 

    • Data Science 

    • Information Technology 

    • Information Assurance 

    • IT Service & Support 

    • Simulation & Game Development 

    • Software Development 

    • Web Development 

    • Web & UX Design 

    This is a short list, not a definitive one. Other majors within your school’s technology department are subject to review by Last Mile staff.

  • •What kind of assistance is available?

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

    • 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. 

    • A FREE 1-year subscription to LinkedIn Premium.   

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

    • If enrolled in a 2-year program: Your current transcript clearly showing your full name, the current academic term, the name of your post-secondary institution, your major/minor areas of study or industry certification program. Unofficial transcripts are accepted. 

    • If enrolled in a community college based bootcamp or certification program: proof of enrollment agreement or document that includes your name, recent date of enrollment, and program of study. 

    • Your LinkedIn profile with a profile picture (**this is required, and incomplete or invalid LinkedIn profiles links will make you ineligible for funding). If you do not have an account, please visit https://www.linkedin.com to set up and create a free account. 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Betzaida Perez Gomez quote, "I feel confident about my decision in entering the Cybersecurity field. I hope to be CompTIA Sec+ certified in the near future and eventually land a Cybersecurity job after graduation."

A career in cybersecurity can transform a student’s trajectory, click here to learn more about the impact of this program.