SEC Opens Next Generation Security Scholarship
The program offers $2,500 awards to students at three partner universities to support emerging talent in risk and intelligence.
- By Jesse Jacobs
- March 03, 2026
The SEC is seeking applicants for its annual scholarship program, which aims to support students pursuing careers in security, risk management, and intelligence.
The Next Generation Security Leader Scholarship, now in its fifth year, provides three awards of $2,500 each to students at the council’s strategic alliance partner universities. The program is designed to identify high-potential students who demonstrate leadership qualities and academic excellence in fields that address increasingly complex global risk environments.
Eligible students must be enrolled in specific programs at Kennesaw State University’s Coles College of Business, Mercyhurst University, or the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore College of Business. These institutions are recognized for their rigorous curricula in cybersecurity, data science, intelligence studies, and risk management.
According to the CISA, developing the next generation of security professionals is a critical national priority to protect both physical and digital infrastructure. Industry initiatives like this scholarship help bridge the gap between academic theory and the practical demands of corporate security leadership.
Applications are reviewed by a committee composed of former senior security executives, current practitioners from major corporations, and university faculty. This collaborative approach ensures that the recipients align with the evolving needs of the private sector.
The Security Executive Council is a research and advisory firm that works with security leaders to develop risk mitigation strategies. This scholarship serves as part of its broader mission to foster business-aligned security programs and professional development within the industry.
Students interested in the program can find application details through their respective university’s financial aid or departmental offices.