Workforce Readiness

SANS Institute and Google Partner on Cloud Diversity Academy

• By Rhea Kelly
• 04/18/23

Cybersecurity training and certification organization SANS Institute has partnered with Google to launch the SANS Cloud Diversity Academy (SCDA), a training initiative aimed at helping underrepresented groups pursue a career in cybersecurity, with a particular focus on cloud security.

The SCDA will provide scholarship-based training in up to three SANS courses, covering foundational concepts in cloud computing, cloud security architecture, security controls, and best practices for securing cloud environments. The courses culminate in GIAC certifications, providing graduates with validated skills for the cloud security workforce.

Applicants must demonstrate interest in a hands-on, technical career in cloud security, and priority may be given to those who are unemployed, underemployed, or interested in a career change, SANS said.

"Empowering communities that have been traditionally underrepresented to pursue a career in cybersecurity is of utmost importance to SANS and Google," said Max Shuftan, director of mission programs and partnerships at SANS Institute, in a statement. "Through this initiative, we are committed to reducing the talent shortage and driving greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce."

"The SANS Cloud Diversity Academy is an exciting initiative that we're proud to support," said M.K. Palmore, director, Office of the CISO, for Google Cloud. "By partnering with SANS, we will reduce the critical shortage of skilled talent in cybersecurity by providing individuals from diverse backgrounds with the training they need to launch a career in cloud security. The program offers an exceptional opportunity for participants to develop hands-on, practical cloud security skills and gain industry-leading certifications. We're eager to see this initiative's impact on the cybersecurity workforce!"

For more information, visit the SANS site.