Learn about the academy & the scholarship application
Mission43 is proud to partner with SANS Institute to establish a talent pipeline for military veterans and their spouses to obtain skills in cybersecurity that can empower a future career and improve cybersecurity for employers and communities in Idaho.
Over a period of 6 months, selected Mission43 members will have the opportunity to complete 3 GIAC certifications that provide the highest and most rigorous assurance of cybersecurity knowledge. Successful Academy participants receive a full scholarship, academic and technical mentorship, and career services valued at over $20k.
This is a multi-stage program designed to provide a reliable pathway for high-potential veterans and military spouses to enter the cybersecurity workforce.
A valued partnership with sans institute
SANS’ ongoing mission is to empower cybersecurity professionals with the practical skills and knowledge they need to make our world a safer place. SANS is the issuing body of GIAC certifications, which are the highest standard in cyber certifications.
When working with cyber employers to build a program to meet their needs, the resounding feedback was that professionals that hold GIAC certifications are amongst the most knowledgable, prepared, and respected experts in their fields. We know that there are many certifying bodies out there offering information security credentials, but SANS GIAC certifications are proven to thoroughly validate a practitioner’s abilities and likelihood of success in a real-world work environment.
The Mission43 Cybersecurity Academy isn’t just theory, it’s a path with direct correlation to employment in Idaho.
Am I Eligible?
It’s our goal to introduce new cybersecurity talent into the civilian and Federal workforce. The ideal candidate for this program is:
A registered Mission43 member (military member, Post-9/11 veteran, or spouse). If you are not a member yet, join today!
Actively seeking to transition from the military and/or committed to make a career change within the next year and plan on residing in Idaho.
Passionate about cybersecurity with the ability to prove aptitude.
A self-starter with the drive and motivation to complete coursework in an unsupervised environment within the given time window.
There is no degree requirement to be eligible to participate in this program, and it is designed for working adults that need the flexibility of attending part-time, online, with the support that you would expect from an in-person learning environment.
participants are set up for success
Mission43 will scholarship selected participants to complete 3, 8-week course blocks, designed to be completed in 6 months.
Every participant will progress through the same first two certifications, establishing foundational knowledge and practices. From there, successful course participants will work with their advisor to identify their specialty, choosing an elective that coincides with their desired industry path and open job roles in Idaho.
Currently, the top unfilled roles include: Information security analysts, penetration testers, security engineers, information assurance managers, and vulnerability management specialists.
Throughout the 3 course blocks, you will have regular advising check-ins, learning support, and technical mentorship from SANS. You will also have access to a curated local mentorship network to set you up for follow-on career success.
Here is a description of each course block:
First Block - Foundations of IT and Cybersecurity (GFACT Certification): SEC275 Foundations - Computers, Technology, & Security provides exactly what you need to go from zero technical and security knowledge to a level of sufficient theoretical understanding and applied practical skills that will enable you to speak the same language as industry professionals.
Second Block - Core Cyber Defense Skills (GSEC Certification): SEC401 Security Essentials: Network, Endpoint, and Cloud will provide the essential information security skills and techniques you need to protect and secure your critical information and technology assets, whether on-premise or in the cloud. SEC401 will also show you how to directly apply the concepts learned into a winning defensive strategy, all in the terms of the modern adversary. This is how we fight; this is how we win!
Third Block - Professional Elective (choose 1 certification path)
GSOC Certification: SEC 450 Blue Team Fundamentals - Security Operations and Analysis designed by Security Analysts, for Security Analysts. SEC450 will get you hands-on with the tools and techniques required to stop advanced cyberattacks! Whether you are a part of a full SOC in a large organization, a small security ops group, or an MSSP responsible for protecting customers, SEC450 will teach you and your team the critical skills for understanding how to defend a modern organization.
GEVA Certification: SEC460 Enterprise and Cloud | Threat and Vulnerability Assessment begins with an introduction to information security vulnerability assessment fundamentals, followed by in-depth coverage of the Vulnerability Assessment Framework. It then moves into the structural components of a dynamic and iterative information security program. Through detailed practical analysis of threat intelligence, modeling, and automation, students will learn the skills necessary to not only use the tools of the trade, but also to implement a transformational security vulnerability assessment program.
GCED Certification: SEC501 Advanced Security Essentials - Enterprise Defender PREVENT. DETECT. RESPONSE. Effective cybersecurity is more important than ever as attacks become stealthier, have a greater financial impact, and cause broad reputational damage. This course provides a solid foundation of core policies and practices to enable individuals and security teams to defend their enterprise.
GCIH Certification: SEC504 Hacker Tools, Techniques, and Incident Handling helps you develop the skills to conduct incident response investigations. You will learn how to apply a dynamic incident response process to evolving cyber threats, and how to develop threat intelligence to mount effective defense strategies for cloud and on-premises platforms.
The Application Process
During open application windows, eligible Mission43 members can apply to the current cohort by visiting our events page. Applicants can expect:
Fill out the initial Mission43 intake form,
Connect with a Mission43 Education Specialist for a qualitative interview,
If selected to proceed, take aptitude exam issued by SANS (2 hours),
Final approvals and selections are made and applicants are notified of status.
Still have questions? Contact us today!
Are you a Mission43 member interested in learning more about cybersecurity? An employer looking to expand their talent pool and fill roles with qualified course participants? Reach out to us today and an education specialist will respond soon!