Two local entities are partnering to enable more students to receive an education in cybersecurity.
Houston-based cybersecurity provider Alert Logic and Lone Star College are creating a new scholarship fund, the organizations announced June 29. Lone Star College introduced two- and four-year cybersecurity degree programs in 2020. Prior to establishing its cybersecurity degree paths, Alert Logic advised Lone Star College in developing the curriculum, the school said.
The cybersecurity scholarship fund will be overseen by the Lone Star College Foundation, which has a portfolio of more than $30 million. The LSC Foundation gave out $2.1 million in scholarships to over 2,200 students between 2019 and 2020.
"We are very grateful to Alert Logic for sponsoring a scholarship fund that has such widespread impact in advancing cybersecurity education, employment and innovation," said Nicole Robinson Gauthier, executive director of the LSC Foundation. "Alert Logic is well-established and highly regarded in the Houston area, and these scholarships ensure students with financial constraints have equal opportunity upon graduating to pursue viable careers in cybersecurity both locally and beyond."
Houston Inno has reached out for more information about the scholarships.
Alert Logic is one of the largest cybersecurity firms headquartered in Houston, according to Houston Business Journal research. The company provides cybersecurity and managed detection and response (MDR) services for more than 4,000 organizations.
In January, Alert Logic announced the promotion of CFO John Post to CEO of the company. He previously served as COO for Boston-based Carbonite Inc., a provider of cloud-based data-protection services. Post was CFO at Colorado-based cybersecurity firm Webroot Inc. before the company was acquired by Carbonite in 2019.
"As a cybersecurity company providing managed detection and response to thousands of organizations, we know how distressing it is for them when they can’t source skilled talent to safeguard their critical infrastructures," said Post. "Our partnership with Lone Star College to fund cybersecurity scholarships is just one way we hope to inspire students to pursue rewarding, long-term careers in an industry that protects so many essential operations."
Meanwhile, Lone Star College is planning to open this fall with options for in-person, hybrid or wholly virtual learning amid the coronavirus pandemic. Students will no longer be required to wear face coverings on campus, though the college will continue to encourage social distancing and vaccination.
