Initiatives aim to support women, students, and early-career professionals in security sector
The Security Industry Association (SIA) has opened applications for two major scholarship initiatives aimed at advancing education and professional development within the security sector: the SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF) Scholarship and the James Rothstein Business Scholarship.
The WISF Scholarship, launched in 2020, offers several awards of USD 7,500 each. These can be applied to a broad range of educational and professional activities including tuition for academic or vocational programmes, industry certifications, online courses, student loan repayment, and registration for SIA conferences or educational initiatives.
Open to SIA student members as well as members of the WISF who are employed by a SIA member company, the scholarship is part of a wider effort to promote gender diversity and leadership across the industry. The 2025 programme is supported by Axis Communications, Brivo, Eagle Eye Networks, GSA Schedules Inc., Securitas Technology, and Clear Cloud.
Meanwhile, the James Rothstein Business Scholarship, introduced in 2024, is designed to support early-career professionals and students working in the security field. It provides full sponsorship—including travel and registration costs—for recipients to attend the Securing New Ground (SNG) executive conference, which is set to take place in New York City from 14–15 October 2025. The scholarship is open to SIA student members or individuals in the SIA RISE community who are employed by SIA member organisations.
Named in honour of James Rothstein, a former SIA Board Chair and current operating partner at Lee Equity, the initiative recognises his ongoing contributions to industry education and mentorship.
“SIA is proud to offer impactful scholarships that help young professionals and women in security invest in their growth and take steps toward future goals and successes,” said Don Erickson, CEO of SIA. “These scholarships, one presented by our vibrant Women in Security Forum community and one named for an inspiring industry leader, provide valuable opportunities for our members to grow their knowledge and skills, advance in their careers and advance the next-generation security workforce.”
Applications for both scholarships are due by Friday, 22 August 2025.
In addition, SIA has announced that recipients of the 2025 Denis R. Hébert Identity Management Scholarship—which grants USD 5,000 each to two young professionals—will be revealed during the AcceleRISE conference taking place in Boston, Massachusetts, from 4–6 August.
Looking ahead, SIA is also preparing to open applications for the SIA RISE Scholarship, which provides USD 3,000 grants for continuing education, student loan repayment and professional training. Further details on this programme are expected to be announced soon.
