The Security Industry Association (SIA) is now accepting applications for the 2022 SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship, an initiative led by the SIA Women in Security Forum. The 2022 program will offer multiple scholarships worth $10,000 each that SIA members and students can use toward professional development and education.

SIA’s Women in Security Forum is a community for both women and men that works to promote, recruit and cultivate the leadership of women for a more inclusive and diversified industry. SIA established the Women in Security Forum Scholarship program in 2020 to further educational opportunities for the widest spectrum of people and empower all to join the SIA Women in Security Forum and thrive in the security industry.

Scholarship funds may be used toward:

• Registration for SIA education or certification programs and/or conferences
• Repayment of student loan debt
• Registration for other industry education and certification programs
• Tuition for courses that will lead to completion of accredited trade, vocational or academic degree programs related to the security industry
• Registration for industry webinar programs

“The SIA Women in Security Forum is proud to advance the involvement of women in security and promote a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce through programs like the Women in Security Forum Scholarship,” said Kasia Hanson, chair of the SIA Women in Security Forum. “We look forward to welcoming a new class of awardees in 2022 and helping them to propel their careers and reach their educational and professional goals.”

In 2021, SIA awarded $60,000 in scholarships through the Women in Security Forum Scholarship program to SIA members and student members across the industry. This program is made possible by the generous donations of SIA members and SIA member companies. The SIA Women in Security Forum would like to recognize the industry leaders who have donated to the 2022 scholarship program, including:

• Axis Communications
• Genetec

SIA is currently accepting donations from SIA member companies and individual members to help support the 2022 SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship. If you are interested in making a donation to support the program, please visit the scholarship page for more information.

“SIA is a leader in advancing the security industry through fostering its talent pipeline, and programs like the Women in Security Forum Scholarship are key components of SIA’s critical workforce development efforts,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “We are proud to present this program again in 2022 and offer a new class of security industry professionals and students access to the essential support, training and education they need to grow in their careers.”

In addition to this scholarship, the SIA Women in Security Forum offers a number of key programs and activities, including the SIA Progress Award, which celebrates individuals who advance opportunities for women in the security industry; the Power 100, an annual initiative showcasing 100 women who are role models, leaders, innovators and influencers in global security; top-quality keynote and breakfast events at ISC West and East; volunteer efforts that give back to the community; a virtual education series; collaborative projects with other organizations that seek to empower women in the security and technology fields; sponsorship of the Women in Biometrics Awards, which recognize distinguished female leaders in the biometric identity and security industry; thought leadership and speaking opportunities; and engaging networking and professional growth events. Participation in the SIA Women in Security Forum is open to all employees of SIA member companies; learn more and get involved.

Each applicant for the SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship must be either 1) a SIA student member or 2) a member of the SIA Women in Security Forum and an employee of a SIA member company. Applications for the 2022 SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship must be submitted by Friday, July 1, and winners will be announced in August. Learn more about the program and apply here.