SANS Institute, the largest provider of cybersecurity training and certification in the world, has announced their second SANS+HBCU Cyber Academy in conjunction with Norfolk State University (NSU), the largest historically Black college and university (HBCU) in Virginia.

The Norfolk State University scholarship academy began in August and includes free access to:

• Pre-determined SANS courseware
• GIAC Certification attempts
• Current and future SANS Summits
• SANS Subject-Matter Expert support
• Private Slack channel for communication, collaboration, and questions

“The partnership between Norfolk State University and the SANS Institute will provide Spartans with the tools they need to be prepared as they enter the cybersecurity workforce,” said Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, president of Norfolk State in a statement. “The NSU Cybersecurity Complex has a long history of educating students in information assurance fields and we support the HBCU Cyber Academy. This association will provide our students with the opportunity to leave with credible certifications in addition to their degrees. The demand for cybersecurity careers is higher than ever due to increased cyber threats, and NSU and other HBCU students will be leaders in helping to find solutions to protect digital infrastructures against future cyber threats.”

The SANS Institute is the largest provider of cyber security training and certification to professionals in government and commercial institutions worldwide. SANS instructors teach more than 60 courses at in-person and virtual cyber security training events and on-demand.

GIAC, an affiliate of the SANS Institute, validates practitioner skills through hands-on, technical certifications in cyber security.

The SANS Technology Institute offers a master’s degree, graduate certificates, and an undergraduate certificate in cyber security. SANS also delivers a wide variety of free resources to the InfoSec community, including consensus projects, research reports, webcasts, podcasts, and newsletters; it also operates the internet’s early warning system—the Internet Storm Center.

“We are elated to be announcing the partnership between Norfolk State University and the SANS+HBCU Committee,” said Monisha Bush, media partnership coordinator of SANS+HBCU. “Establishing this partnership will serve as a foundational stepping stone for providing essential resources and support for NSU students of color looking to achieve success in cyberspace. Creating a bridge to diversify and spotlight Black talent in cyberspace has been a personal goal of mine and building this partnership broadens the horizon for years to come. Welcome Norfolk State University to the SANS+HBCU Family.”

The SANS+HBCU committee focuses the deep resources of SANS on creating a bridge to diversify cybersecurity with innovative black talent from Historically Black Colleges and Universities through partnership, training, certification, resources, advocacy, and mentorship.

Norfolk State University plays a vital economic and social role in the City of Norfolk, the Hampton Roads region, and across Virginia.