Engaging in the college classroom for the next generation of information systems and technology risk professionals is an important goal of the Academic Relations Committee of the Central Ohio Chapter of ISACA. Coordinated through this committee, the ISACA Central Ohio Chapter Cybersecurity Fellows Program identifies ten college students who express interest in pursuing a career in information systems and technology risk management in central Ohio.
The program is a selective program that, once completed by the student, will: 1) connect college students to our chapter and provide one-on-one coaching to the student with ISACA professionals, 2) recognize the student’s achievement for completing a cyber-related ISACA certificate, and 3) assist in funding college expenses by awarding a $500 scholarship.
Students are motivated to complete the program because they earn the ISACA Central Ohio Chapter Cybersecurity Fellow designation, along with an officially recognized cyber-related certificate issued by ISACA. Additionally, the students will have no out-of-pocket expenses for ISACA membership or the certificate, which are funded by the chapter. Finally, after successful completion of the program, the student will be awarded a $500 scholarship.
ISACA Central Ohio Chapter Cybersecurity Fellows Program
The program is comprised of three distinct phases. Candidates must first be selected into the program and must complete all three phases to earn the designation of a ISACA Central Ohio Chapter Cybersecurity Fellow.
The three phases are: ISACA Membership and Coaching, Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate, and ISACA Cybersecurity Fellow.
- ISACA Membership and Coaching – Candidates will be awarded a free student membership to the Central Ohio Chapter of ISACA. Additionally, candidates must attend at least one chapter meeting and have a one-on-one mentoring discussion with an ISACA member.
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate – Candidates are awarded a free study program, funded by the chapter, for the Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate and must take the exam within six months to earn the certificate. An exam fee is also funded by the local chapter.
- Fellow Designation – Upon completion of the requirements above, candidates will have earned and will be awarded the ISACA Central Ohio Chapter Cybersecurity Fellow designation, receiving a $500 scholarship to his/her university.
Application Process
Applications would be taken the fall semester before the program would start, and students are expected to complete the process in the following semester (within six months – fall awardees should complete before June 30). Candidate applications will include three components for the ISACA Academic Relations Committee to evaluate. Applicants will be required to submit the following:
- Application/Resume (bio, university, major(s)/minor(s), GPA, etc.)
- Essay (1-page, double spaced, 250 words) on his/her interest in exploring the cybersecurity field in Central Ohio and becoming an ISACA Central Ohio Chapter Cybersecurity Fellow
- Letter of Recommendation (from Professor) focused on 1) academic ability and 2) personal motivation and initiative
Spring 2025 Applications can be submitted online at: https://forms.office.com/r/BUyqWgq7Cz. Deadline for submissions is November 15, 2024, and an announcement of candidate selection is expected by December 2024.
Selection Criteria
The ISACA Academic Relations Committee will select the top ten candidates. Preference will be given to student essays / recommendations that show deep desire to investigate this field, start careers in central Ohio, have solid academic understanding, and are studying information systems / cybersecurity.
Questions concerning the program and candidacy can be directed to the Academic Relations Committee.