Scholarships
Photos from awards ceremonies
Parisa Tabriz PrinSWSIS Scholarship
The PrinSWSIS scholarship is awarded to a woman aspiring to work in computer security, and by her mere existence, challenging the stereotype of a cyber security professional and helping redefine what it means to be a princess. She is both a cybersecurity princess and a mentor and inspiration to others on that journey.
- In selecting a scholarship recipient, we consider that women represent only a small minority of the modern cybersecurity workforce at a time when the need for skilled professionals is at an all time high. Separately, we recognize that “princess culture,” a term coined by psychologists, impacts child development and has historically failed to provide strong role models for girls.
- The PrinSWSIS scholarship was established by Parisa Tabriz, self-appointed Security Princess at Google, to recognize a woman who is broadening what it means to be a professional in cyber security and a modern day princess. In this way, the recipient is helping to combat systemic inequality and level the playing field for future generations. Ms. Tabriz benefitted from a scholarship early in her career. That scholarship not only helped offset costs during school, it also allowed her to meet other women in engineering and realize she too belonged. Based on her experiences, Ms. Tabriz recognized the need to support the ongoing development and progression of other women who aspire to do serious work without taking themselves too seriously.
Rebecca Gurley Bace Scholarship
The Rebecca Gurley Bace SWSIS Scholarship honors the memory of Becky Bace. In selecting a scholarship recipient, we consider that:
- Becky was the “Den Mother of Cyber Security”. A recipient might have shown her ability to mentor, to create community, to bring groups together.
- Becky experienced financial hardship which impacted the timeline of her degree, but not her ability to get one. A recipient might be working through similar financial hardships, or helping others who do.
- Becky experienced sexism and racism, in the context of her geography, her work, and her degree. A recipient might be addressing sexism and/or racism, as an example or through outreach.
- As a mother, Becky cared for a child with several medical conditions (autism, leukemia). A recipient might be shouldering responsibility for family while working towards a degree, helping others with medical conditions or disabilities, or have them herself.
It’s hard to believe that one cybersecurity pioneer was all that. Becky was.
More information about Becky can be found at https://www.cerias.purdue.edu/site/blog/post/time_passes_and_we_lose_friends/.
Help us grow this scholarship by sending your check to:
Applied Computer Security Associates, Inc.
Attn: Rebecca Gurley Bace SWSIS Scholarship
P.O. Box 1607
Checks should be payable to Applied Computer Security Associates, Inc. ACSA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization so donations are generally tax deductible. Consult your tax advisor for details. Read about Kimberly Ruth (2017-18), Dorcas Kosgei (2018-19), Jamila Crawford (2019-20), and ZZZZ recipients of the Rebecca Gurley Bace SWSIS Scholarship.
Stephen L. Squires Scholarship
The Stephen L. Squires SWSIS Scholarship honors the memory of Stephen L. Squires and recognizes his extensive contributions to advancing computer science in the interests of national security.
In selecting a scholarship recipient, we consider the following:
- Stephen was devoted to family, science, and country. A recipient might demonstrate interest in be interested in a future career in defense or the intelligence community.
- Stephen benefitted from strong and early mentoring. A recipient might be involved in mentoring others and/or have a compelling story of how mentorship changed their life.
- A recipient might have a history of being an “outsider”, for example, exhibiting alternative styles of learning, overcome bullying, or overcome adversity.