The Security Industry Association (SIA) is now accepting applications for the 2023 SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF) Scholarship, an initiative led by the SIA Women in Security Forum. The 2023 program will offer multiple scholarships worth $7,500 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. The WISF Scholarship program was created 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.

“Financing your professional future, whether as a young person starting or someone coming of age with a career change, should not roadblock your potential,” said Alice DiSanto, SIA Women in Security Forum chair. “The SIA WISF Scholarship program alleviates the financial burden to enable SIA student members, WISF members and employees of SIA member companies to access education and skills training. Right-fitting for the in-demand security-related careers is a win-win that fills the industry’s talent shortage. WISF is grateful to provide this to the most worthy applicants. Special thanks to the donor organizations and the handiwork of Martha Entwistle, WISF’s scholarship chairperson.”

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 online learning programs

In 2022, SIA awarded $70,000 in scholarships through the WISF 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 WISF Scholarship Committee is currently seeking donors for the 2023 scholarship. Please visit the scholarship page for more information. Industry leaders who have already donated to the 2023 scholarship program include:

• Axis Communications
• Security-Net
• Eagle Eye Networks

SIA also thanks media affiliates SDM, Security Today, Security Business, SecurityInfoWatch and Security Technology Executive for their support.

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 2023 SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship must be submitted by Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, and winners will be announced in September. 

Learn more about the program and apply here.