Next Generation Security Leader Scholarship Now Accepting Applications

March 2, 2026 – The Security Executive Council (SEC) is now accepting applications for its Next Generation Security Leader Scholarship, an annual program designed to support and inspire emerging leaders in security, risk, and intelligence disciplines. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the SEC will award three scholarships of $2,500 each to outstanding students enrolled in select academic programs.

Now in its fifth year, the Next Generation Security Leader Scholarship reflects the SEC’s continued commitment to strengthening the future of the security profession by investing in high potential students at its strategic alliance partner universities. These academic partners are recognized for delivering rigorous, forward looking programs that prepare students for leadership roles in an increasingly complex risk environment.

Each scholarship will be awarded to a student who demonstrates strong leadership potential and academic excellence in one of the following programs:

• Kennesaw State University, Coles College of Business
  Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
• Mercyhurst University
  Bachelor of Science in Data Science
  Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence Studies
  Bachelor of Arts in Business & Competitive Intelligence
  Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
• University of South Carolina, Darla Moore College of Business
  Bachelor of Science in Risk Management and Insurance

Scholarship recipients will be selected by the SEC Scholarship Committee, which includes SEC staff, former senior security executives, current security practitioners from leading corporations, and university faculty. Awards are made in alignment with each university’s criteria, with additional input from the SEC to ensure recipients reflect the program’s leadership-focused mission. Students enrolled at any of the three partner universities are encouraged to apply.

The application can be downloaded here.

About the Security Executive Council
The Security Executive Council is the leading research and advisory firm focused on corporate security risk mitigation strategies and plans. We work with security leaders to transform security programs into highly capable, business aligned centers of excellence. Learn more by watching our two minute overview video or visiting www.securityexecutivecouncil.com.

Media Contact:
Deborah Baldwin
External Relations Specialist
dbaldwin@secleader.com
+1 202 730 9971