SIA opens applications for 2026 awards, scholarship programs

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has opened applications for four recognition and scholarship programs for 2026 aimed at supporting professional development and workforce growth across the security industry.

The programs include SIA's 25 on the RISE Awards, the Denis R. Hébert Identity Management Scholarship, the James Rothstein Business Scholarship and the SIA–SecuritySpecifiers Young Consultants Scholarship.

The 25 on the RISE Awards, presented through SIA's RISE community, recognize 25 emerging security professionals each year for contributions to the industry. Recipients receive funding to attend SIA's Securing New Ground conference, scheduled for Oct. 20-21, 2026, in New York City.

The Denis R. Hébert Identity Management Scholarship provides two $5,000 scholarships annually to employees of SIA member companies pursuing education related to identity management, including certifications, training courses and post-secondary programs.

The James Rothstein Business Scholarship helps students and early-career professionals attend Securing New Ground by covering conference registration and travel expenses. Eligible applicants must be either SIA student members or members of the SIA RISE community employed by a SIA member company.

The SIA–SecuritySpecifiers Young Consultants Scholarship supports security consultants, designers and specifiers age 35 and younger by funding attendance at CONSULT 2026, which will take place Oct. 9-12 in Kansas City, Mo. The scholarship includes conference registration, access to events and mentorship opportunities.

“SIA is proud to present this year’s 25 on the RISE Awards and two scholarships established in the names of past two SIA chairs who advanced the association’s value proposition – the Denis R. Hébert Identity Management Scholarship and the James Rothstein Business Scholarship. We’re also pleased to again present the SIA–SecuritySpecifiers Young Consultants Scholarship,” SIA CEO Don Erickson said. “These are four impactful opportunities for career development, professional growth and learning.”

Applications for all four programs are due July 31.

Related: SIA announces 2025 winners for the 25 on the RISE Awards

              SIA announces 2025 winners of the James Rothstein Business Scholarship 

              SIA, SecuritySpecifiers announce inaugural recipients of CONSULT Scholarship