Local high school students pursuing advanced education in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) are now eligible for new funding in the form of AFCEA scholarships.

The AFCEA Blue Angels Pensacola Chapter is making $10,000 in college funds available to local graduates as a result of the recent CyberThon event. CyberThon was a partnership between business, education and military leaders to give students a glimpse of the real-world application of cybersecurity skills.

“This really is at the heart of the AFCEA mission,” said chapter president Randy Ramos. “One of the core values of the AFCEA international organization is to do everything possible to further the education of the local communities we serve, which is why we work so hard to raise support and make scholarships possible.

“The Pensacola tech community has really stepped up in recent months, and we are thrilled to be helping students in partnership with their generosity,” Ramos said.

One of the key contributors making the scholarships possible is the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, which donated $20,000 to the recent CyberThon event.

“By supporting these students we are developing a cyber-skilled workforce prepared for high demand careers in law enforcement, the military and in the private sector,” said Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan.

Additional contributing sponsors of the CyberThon event included Hixardt Technologies, Inc., GBSI, Inc., Northrop Grumman, Navy Federal Credit Union, The University of West Florida Innovation Institute, The UWF Center for Cybersecurity, Fortinet, Escambia County Commissioner Doug Underhill, Gulf Power, A Southern Company, The Greater Pensacola Chamber, Community Economic Development Association, Innovation Coast, IT Gulf Coast, and TeKSystems.

 While the success of CyberThon was a catalyst for this round of scholarship awards, students who apply are not limited to cybersecurity studies.

Any high school senior bound for college in a science, technology, engineering or math track is eligible to apply.

The AFCEA Board of Directors will award up to 10 scholarships of $1,000 each, or higher amounts should fewer students apply.

Additional information, application documents and submission instructions are available at http://afceapensacola.org/scholarships. The deadline for application submission is April 27, with awards announced by May 31.