Washington, DC - The Department of Homeland Security today announced the launch of the 2015 Secretary's Honors Program Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative for current two- and four-year college students. Beginning in the spring of 2015, more than 75 selected students will complete volunteer assignments supporting the DHS cyber mission at department field offices in over 50 locations across the country.
"The DHS mission in cybersecurity offers opportunities for the best and brightest of our nation's cybersecurity talent," said Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. "Through the Department’s Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative, students gain firsthand experience in applying their skills directly to our wide-ranging efforts - from helping to defend the Nation’s cyber networks against attacks to going after criminals who exploit innocent members of the public."
Through this initiative, student volunteers currently pursuing an undergraduate degree related to cybersecurity will gain invaluable hands-on experience and exposure to the cybersecurity work performed across DHS. In addition to supporting activities such as cyber threat analysis, digital forensics, network diagnostics and incident response, selected students will participate in mentoring and professional development events with DHS managers and senior leaders.
The Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative was created in April 2013 and was expanded in 2014 to feature 70 student assignments across 23 states. Students selected for the current cohort will complete assignments at one of the following organizations: Office of the Chief Information Officer, Office of Intelligence and Analysis, National Protection and Programs Directorate, Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or U.S. Secret Service.
For more information about the Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative, including the selection and application process, visit http://www.dhs.gov/secretarys-honors-program.
