Cybrary’s new Scholars Program is supporting cybersecurity pros impacted by COVID-19

After launching a new program to help cybersecurity professionals impacted by COVID-19 last month, College Park, Maryland-based Cybrary has announced the inaugural cohort.

The five-year-old company manages a IT learning and certification preparation platform to foster cybersecurity career development. After reviewing more than 340 applications, the Cybrary Scholars Program welcomed 11 individuals who are seeking careers in the IT and cybersecurity fields into the cohort. Participants will receive a free year of Cybrary’s Insider Pro membership, a year of mentorship with an experienced Cybrary community mentor and a CompTIA exam voucher.

“The current pandemic is having far-reaching implications on countless people in our industry, whether they’ve been laid off, furloughed, experienced reduced hours, or are unable to fulfill a professional opportunity like an internship, but the Cybrary Scholars Program is specifically designed for them and it’ll hopefully it’ll offer some additional support to their IT and security careers,” Cybrary cofounder and CEO Ryan Corey said in a press release.

Members of the cohort hail from seven different countries and all have up to three years of experience in the cybersecurity sector, Cybrary reports. The cohort was selected based on need, impact, level of commitment to the IT and cybersecurity fields, and community engagement. With an Insider Pro membership, program participants gain access to Cybrary’s entire platform, which is equipped with hands-on virtual labs, career development programs, assessments and more.

“I am extremely grateful to be selected as a Cybrary Scholar,” said Shirley W. in a statement. (A media rep from the company said recipients declined to share their last names at this time.) “This is an amazing opportunity for a beginner like me to learn, receive mentorship, and already be a part of a community as I start my journey into cybersecurity.”

Back in November, Cybrary raised a $15 million Series B to expand its training platform.