New SIA Women in Security Forum scholarship program available

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) is now accepting applications for the SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship program.

The initiative, developed by the SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF), will offer multiple scholarships worth at least $3,000 each to further educational opportunities for awardees and help them thrive in the industry. The WISF offers programs, professional development opportunities and networking events to support the involvement of women in the security industry.

SIA created the Women in Security Forum Scholarship program to support SIA members’ professional development and educational goals. Funds may be used toward:

•    Registration for SIA education or certification programs and/or conferences;
•    Registration for other industry education and certification programs or webinars;
•    Tuition for accredited trade, vocational or academic degree programs related to the security industry; and
•    Repayment of student loan debt.

“The SIA Women in Security Forum works to grow and retain leaders in the security industry,” said Gloria Salmeron, director of human resources at Brivo and co-chair of the scholarship committee. “With the addition of this new scholarship, we look forward to helping bring opportunities for further education and advancement to as wide a spectrum of people as possible and inviting individuals to participate in the Women in Security Forum.”

SIA’s Women in Security Forum works to engage all security professionals to promote, recruit and cultivate the leadership of women for a more inclusive and diversified industry. The forum’s key efforts and activities �“ in addition to the scholarship �“ include the SIA Progress Award, which celebrates individuals who advance opportunities and pave the way to success for women in the security industry; a quarterly 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 opportunities; and engaging networking and professional growth events.

This past year, Security Systems News partnered with SIA and the Women in Security Forum for the special SSN Women in Security issue, which it has been doing for more than a decade.

“The launch of the SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship program is a key element of our career development program to foster a path to success for individuals currently working in the industry and students who may one day lead our industry, ” said SIA CEO Don Erickson.

Each applicant for the SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship must be either 1) a SIA student member enrolled in an accredited trade, vocational or higher education academic degree program related to the security industry or 2) a member of the SIA Women in Security Forum and an employee of a SIA member company with at least two years of professional experience in the security industry. Applications for the 2020 SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship must be submitted by Monday, June 15, and winners will be announced in late July. Learn more about the program and apply here.

SIA is accepting donations from SIA member companies and individual members to help support the 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.

The SIA Women in Security Forum is open to all employees of SIA member companies; learn more and get involved here.